7 Tips to Help Kids Socialize during the Holidays
Although there is limited research on how the pandemic has impacted the mental health of our children, there have been a few studies recently on the topic. What they have been showing, is an overwhelming percentage of children are experiencing an increase in negative feelings as a result of the pandemic. These feelings, combined with shorter days and waking up on dark mornings, may find some children feeling the "winter blues."
Here’s how you can help your child or children survive this COVID winter.
Be honest. Explain that with winter comes shorter days and colder temperatures which can make it difficult to do normal activities. Also, discuss some of the additional changes due to the pandemic. Discuss these changes (snow covered side walk preventing bike riding, or it being dark outside before “bed time”) with your child in order to prepare them and reduce stress and anxiety.
Discuss possible COVID-related restrictions. Depending on where you live, you may have already been dealing with more social distancing guidelines and restrictions. With the current transmission rates and guidelines from the Pennsylvania government, many indoor activities are limited or even postponed. This may mean indoor activities, friend play dates, and winter indoor sports may need to be adjusted or canceled, if they were not already.
Make a list of winter activities. Just because we can’t swim in a pool or go for a bike ride, outdoor activities with kids can still be enjoyed! Depending on their age, you may want to try outdoor scavenger hunts, sledding, hikes, or snowball fights!
Commit to time outdoors, every day, when possible. Once you have a go-to list of fun and games, commit to spending time outside, even as the temperature drops. Studies have shown that spending more time in nature can provide mental health benefits for children. There are some great outdoor activities in the Lehigh Valley such as Monocacy Park, Delaware & Lehigh Valley National Heritage Corridor, and Lehigh Valley Zoo for you to try with your children. Before you go, make sure to stay safe and read these 10 Tips for Keeping Children Safe in Winter!
Arrange for virtual connections. Schedule time to connect remotely with family, especially older family members who may be disproportionally affected by the pandemic. Similar scheduled times with classmates or friends can also be helpful for allowing children to maintain connections despite social restrictions.
Relax screen time limits. With the pandemic and winter in full swing, opportunities for children to connect with each other in person are becoming far and few between. In many cases, playing video games online with friends may be one of the few opportunities to have fun together.
Keep a schedule. It’s important to keep a schedule that reinforces routines. Keeping wake up times, bedtimes and mealtimes consistent helps children maintain their daily rhythm through winter.
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