Members of NCFR have been sharing with one another ways to help parents during the COVID-19 pandemic via NCFR’s discussion groups.

In an attempt to summarize this information in a way that can be shared with others, a panel presentation was formed to help disseminate online resources for parenting.

In this free webcast:

• Ellie McCann, M.S., CFLE, shares information about resources that have been created for parents of teenagers during COVID-19.
• Lawrence G. Shelton, Ph.D., provides an overview on coparenting issues while being safe at home.
• Shelley M. MacDermid Wadsworth, Ph.D., CFLE, describes a family resilience initiative aimed at supporting families during the pandemic.

Approved for 0.5 CFLE contact hours of continuing education credit.

Please also see this supplemental handout:
Responding to Co-Parenting Conflict in the Pandemic Resources (PDF)

About the Presenters

Ellie McCann, M.S., CFLE, earned her master's of science in human development and family studies from the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville. She has been a statewide extension educator with the University of Minnesota Extension Center for Family Development since 2003. Her areas of focus include divorce education, coparenting, families in times of transition, and resilience.

Lawrence G. Shelton, Ph.D., is an associate professor of human development and family studies in the College of Education and Social Services at the University of Vermont. He earned his doctorate in child psychology from the University of Minnesota. Dr. Shelton teaches a variety of courses in human development, family systems, parenting, and developmental ecology, including a course on parenting through separation, divorce and re-partnering. He is experienced in parent consultation and education; has served as a family evaluator and expert witness in family court; and was a creator of the parent education program required by judges in Vermont Family Court.

Shelley M. MacDermid Wadsworth, Ph.D., CFLE, is a professor in the Department of Human Development and Family Studies at Purdue University, where she also directs the Military Family Research Institute and the Center for Families. Dr. MacDermid Wadsworth holds an M.B.A. in management and M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in human development and family studies from Pennsylvania State University. Her primary research interest is the relationship between work conditions and family life, with special focus on military families. She is an author of over 140 articles and chapters. Her research has been supported by the National Institutes of Health; the Departments of Defense, Veterans Affairs, and Agriculture; state governments; and numerous private philanthropies. Dr. MacDermid Wadsworth was named an NCFR Fellow in 2005 and is a recipient of the Work Life Legacy Award from the Families and Work Institute. In recognition of outstanding career achievements that have had an impact on society, she received the Morrill Award, Purdue University’s highest faculty honor.

About NCFR Discussion Groups

NCFR's discussion groups are an online gathering place for NCFR members and Certified Family Life Educators (CFLEs). In April 2020, three new groups were opened for anyone with an NCFR account that all focus on aspects of teaching and working remotely.

Join the conversation and access your discussion groups.