Health First Has Some GREAT ADVICE for the Whole Family

August 8, 2020 – The current public health situation can be stressful, especially for parents and children whose comforting routines have been interrupted. Says DeAnn Collins, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Program Manager at Health First’s Senior Behavioral Wellness Intensive Outpatient program, “Look at it as an opportunity to spend quality time together as a family and maybe even explore some new avenues for fun.”

Here are some ideas that may be welcome:

▪ Get outside. On foot or on bicycles, explore trails and paths nearby or drive somewhere else in Brevard and take a stroll. Health First advice: If you’re going to be in an area where there are other people, remember to socially distance, wear a mask and sanitize your hands frequently.

▪ Go camping – in your backyard. Put up a tent, gather around a fire pit, make some s’mores and soak up the stars.

▪ Get your game on. Choose something everyone can enjoy. Pull out one of the classics or try something new. What about a family dance competition?

▪ Make it a movie night. Sit down together as a family with some popcorn and watch a movie.

▪ Read a book together. Take turns reading out loud. Choose a classic or current popular stories that evoke the imagination. You may learn some interesting information and insights from your kids. And vice versa, they may gain some insights from you.

▪ Create art or write. Paint, draw, color or sketch. Create a family book or write a story about the experience the pandemic has been for your family. From Health First: encouraging kids (and yourself) to journal is one way to deal with your feelings in this time of stress.

▪ Make a happiness or gratitude jar. Decorate a special jar and let everyone add good thoughts to it as the days go by. Let each family member contribute by writing on a scrap of paper something good about the day, fold it and toss it in. And then, when the time is right, read through them. Sometimes, we all need a nudge to recognize the good things around us.

▪ Make home improvement a family affair. Have you been putting off cleaning out the garage, painting a room or planting a garden? Engage the whole family. It will give the kids a sense of pride to contribute to accomplishing a family goal, one that benefits all.

▪ Virtual trips. Ever wanted to visit the Louvre? The Eiffel Tower or Buckingham Palace? Mount Rushmore or the Grand Canyon? Visiting the official websites of many of these sites will net you a virtual tour or a closeup view of a special exhibit. Many are also holding virtual classes, workshops and visits.

An important tip from Health First:
▪ Talk about COVID-19 challenges. This pandemic isn’t just tough on adults – it’s tough on kids, too. Emotions are high for many, especially those who aren’t able to see their friends as much. Encourage your children to share their frustrations with you – as well as any unexpected benefits that have come from this public health crisis.

“One of the ways that we can get to the point of appreciating where we are is by acknowledging and talking with other family members about any feelings of loss related to the many lifestyle changes that have happened as a result of the pandemic,” Collins said.

SOURCE: Health First