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Parenting Tips for Stay At Home Order

These museums are offering free virtual tours – Business Traveller

In an effort to support our parents, we want to provide you with some resources.  Check back periodically as we will keep adding because we all could use a little extra support.  We are still adding and making changes, so please check back.

 

Newsletter MENTAL HEALTH Tips and Challenges

Tips from our therapists:

  • View virtual parenting conference to hear what experts say.
  • Let kids see you not stressing, they are taking their cues from you.
  • Create some consistency and stability.  It creates a sense of security in times when we are so unsure of most things.
  • LAUGH!  Watch a movie, share funny memories. Laugh when you can because their is so much to worry and cry about.
  • Create rituals and memories.  Get together on Zoom or some other platform with other parents and kids and create a ritual.  Many seniors would be experiencing senioritis right now and getting excited about many aspects of the school year as well as apprehensive or worried about a new chapter in life. Contact schools and parents and see what rituals you can do safely.
  • Create a Self Care/Self Soothing Box – Ask kids and adolescents to do show and tell.  Have them find and share some things from their house that helps them feel better.  Put it in a box, get creative.  Obviously they can’t put their dog in the box, so put a photo of dog in the box.  Adults can do the same.  (Ideas – a non perishable snack, movie list, a music list or reminder to go to phone and listen, paper and pencils to draw, scents like oils or candles, inspirational quotes, squishy toys, etc.)
  • Send the kids on a scavenger hunt in the house.  Have them find: one thing that makes you happy, one thing that makes you laugh, one thing that you like to read, one thing…
  • Yoga and body movement.  You can even dance with kids (try it, it’s fun).
  • Having an honest conversation (and validating) how they are feeling and their thoughts about what’s happening.
  • Asking them how they would like to be supported during this unique time.
  • Making an effort to connect with them, having family meals together, spending time in a supportive manner.
  • Planning family activities such as, family movie night, or playing board games, baking together, or reading a book out-loud together.
  • Suggesting ways they can connect with their friends virtually, such as using Face-Time, Skype, or Zoom (for groups).
  • Family workouts at home, push-up, jumping jacks, sit-ups etc. or family walks, getting outside to breathe fresh air (being mindful of social distancing).
  • Establishing a flexible routine/schedule with various activities such as having a learning component (or homework), art, exercise, leisure, BUT empowering children to assist in structuring.
  • I’d suggest  trying some sort of schedule for daily activity. I struggle with the online class assignment so I’ll have my boys read a story from a book then write a report. I’ve also made multiplication flash cards and have them study and quiz each other. They also exercise for 30 minutes a day Mon-Fri.
  •  If you feel like you are not keeping up with housework give yourself a break, we are all trying to spend way more time at home than normal and this is actually a crisis situation, be gentle with yourself.
  • Schedules can be helpful even if they include seemingly mundane things like scheduling coffee breaks and nap times.
  • Designating spaces in the house for everyone to have personal space if you are sharing a house with multiple people can be helpful.
  • If you are needing some privacy outdoor walks can be helpful for making phone calls and getting some space.
  • If you can take some breaks from your screens it may be helpful if you or your child  are prone to headaches.
  • Regular mealtimes can help maintain some normalcy during this time.
  • Remember that some of the things that work during this time might not follow your normal expectations, do what works and let go of self-judgement!

Webcams and Virtual Tours

Apps and Websites

Fitness

  • MichiganMade – At home exercise with kids

Other Activities