COVID is STILL a thing, and the holidays are coming!
As we continue to ride the wave that is COVID-19, we as adults may find ourselves feeling overwhelmed by the demands of daily living during a pandemic. Especially around the holidays! While many have found peace in the unknown through hope and acceptance. I recognize that there are others out there who may be struggling.
The tiny humans in our lives may struggle to wrap their heads around the current alarm. They may be fearful of the precautions that have been implemented, especially as we enter flu season.
Schools have just returned to “normal,” and activities have begun again. These sudden changes pose a disruption to the daily routine of many. Add to that flu season and the rapidly approaching holidays, and it can feel like “too much.” So what can we do as adults to provide a continued sense of safety to the children in our lives?
SIMPLIFY
Talk to your children about what is going on, be honest, and speak in a soft and even tone when answering their questions. It is important to utilize age-appropriate language and information. By keeping children informed, we can encourage them to process how they feel about the situation. And we provide them with the opportunity to seek support. Please check out this free downloadable child-friendly activity book about COVID-19.
PROVIDE ROUTINE
While it is safe to say the daily routine for many has been disrupted, now is a great time to implement a steady routine. Predictability provides children (and adults) with a sense of security. If they know what to expect, there will be less anxiety. Set some time aside to create a new “holiday” schedule with your child(ren). Involving children in the process provides them a sense of control and strengthens relational support.
SPEND TIME IN NATURE
While it may be tempting to provide continued access to tablets, television, and computer screens at home, this is not recommended. As the weather turns chilly in Fairfield County, it is the perfect time to connect with nature in a new way! Taking a walk, going for a hike, or simply sitting out on the porch can be exceptionally therapeutic during times of anxiety. Challenge your children to spend at least 30 minutes of their day outdoors. Various studies have proven that fresh air, access to sunlight, and wildlife observation can strengthen emotion regulation.
