UA’s Parenting Assistance Line Offers Support, Advice

Since Alabama schools ended in-person instruction due to the coronavirus, The University of Alabama’s Parenting Assistance Line, also called PAL, has seen its call volume increase by more than 70 percent, and call volume is rising daily.

PAL employees are glad that people are turning to them for help during this stressful time with their kids.

“The message we’re trying to give to parents is that we’re here for them,” said Amy Walker, a parent resource specialist for PAL.

Walker said PAL is a free, confidential and anonymous statewide resource for parents and caregivers seeking advice and help on how to deal with their children. Parents can reach out through telephone, text, online chat or the PAL Facebook page.

“Any questions or concerns they have about their kids, we can point them to resources they might need — parenting classes, counseling resources in their county, etc.

“If they are parents and they just want to talk with someone who will listen, that’s fine, too.”

The primary topics they are receiving questions about are handling homework, balancing lesson plans between multiple children in different grades and managing the stress of having children at home all day.

“No. 1, I try to tell parents — a suggestion I try to always make — is in dealing with your kids 24 hours a day, you have to etch out some time for yourself during the day because if you don’t you’re going to go crazy,” Walker said. “Go outside, walk around your yard just to get out, and take deep breaths.

“Also, pick your battles and don’t sweat the small things. I encourage having a routine; and, make a calendar because if they can clearly see what they have to do, it’s good. But if you don’t hit every bullet on that calendar, don’t stress out about it. You’re doing the best you can with what you’ve got.”

PAL has also provided daily activity suggestions for kids on its Facebook page.

The PAL call line is 866-962-3030. PAL’s hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Messages can be left after hours and a PAL employee will respond the next day.