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Self-Care for Parents and Children During COVID-19

In the midst of a global pandemic, we may begin to feel an overwhelming sense of anxiety or fear about multiple things. The CDC notes that learning to cope with this stress can be beneficial for you, your loved ones, and your community. Here are some easy ways for parents and children to practice self-care during COVID-19:

Go for a walk

Since quarantine began, my dog and I have enjoyed going for a 30-minute walk every morning. It gives us something to look forward to every day! If you’re taking your kids with you, you can turn your walk into a game. If you hear a bird, ask your children what kind of bird they think it might be. You can have your children collect leaves or flowers to bring home for a fun nature craft. If you’re by yourself, take in the sounds of nature or listen to some tunes or a new podcast.

Watch your favorite movie

Who doesn’t love feeling a sense of nostalgia? For me, it’s binge watching Harry Potter movies. Sometimes you may catch something new when you re-watch your favorite movie. Maybe you’re rewatching The Office for the 5th time and found something funny Kevin said. Watching your favorite movie can help you unwind. Check out what’s available on Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and Amazon! Maybe you’ll find a new family favorite.

Try a new recipe

It seems like the latest craze during quarantine has been trying new recipes. How many posts have you seen about your friends making bread? If you have a bunch of random ingredients in your fridge or pantry, check out SuperCook. You can enter whatever ingredients you have on hand and SuperCook instantly finds matching recipes from popular cooking websites. Practice math with your children by letting them count how many ingredients you have and measure ingredients.

Unplug

If you’re working from home, you may find it hard to unplug when your workday is over. You’re at home and you’ve just been sitting at your computer all day. It can be so easy to just stay there and browse the web. But unplugging may give us some sanity and it will definitely give our eyes a break. Put your phone on the charger and dive into a new book or puzzle. Build a fort with your children.

Memorial Day Craft: Pom Pom American Flag

Looking for a craft for this Memorial Day? This will keep the younger kids entertained for a bit this weekend (or Monday afternoon)! Work on fine motor skills by having the children grasp clothes pins and stamp paint with pompoms in the shape of the American Flag!

ead4d4c63ae45ecf1121b0b8a6fd24c2Things you will need:

  • White Construction Paper/ Cardstock
  • Red, White, and Blue Paint
  • Cotton Balls or Pom Poms
  • Clothes Pins/ Chip Clips (to keep fingers from getting paint on them)

Start by clipping each of the cotton balls or pom poms onto a clothes pin. Dip into whatever color you will start with. Stamp paint from ball to paper in a stripe (or square shape–if you’re starting with the star corner). Keep dipping and transferring paint until you’ve got an American Flag!

This is such a cool homemade craft that can be given to a relative/friend in the military or to someone who may have lost a loved one in the military.