Making the Most of being at Home
During this unexpected and unprecedented occurrence of the COVID 19 virus and this time of "distancing socially", many of you will be working from home, or staying closer to home while managing the needs of one, or more, young children. I hope the following suggestions will help to facilitate some ease for you and your family.
To start with-
take care of yourself
Make sure your needs are being met
You know what’s best for you, but some ideas include: drink plenty of water, don’t skimp on sleep, spend time outdoors, renew a hobby, reach out to others, keep a gratitude journal, take breaks, (especially from screens)
Stay in the moment - try deep breathing (in and out one's nose)
Stay in touch with others who share your values
Please reach out to me if I can be of service
Marcia
Prepare Thyself
A zone of responsiveness
Maintain your parenting standards-children habituate quickly, therefore avoid giving in to the child's whims, no matter how strongly expressed
Protect children from our concerns and fears
Explain things to your child in the simplest of terms
Home Sweet Home
Stick to, or create, step-by-step routines, and familiar schedules
Including children in basic routines (getting dressed, washing hands, setting the table) will help children to feel included, to know what's expected of them, and what to expect
Design a picture chart of the daily schedule (take photos or make drawings)
Create a sense of order-fewer toys available, that are tidied after use
Large motor activities keep small bodies moving-
set up an indoor obstacle course using anything that varies the floor surface (pillows, mats, low stools, crawling under low tables)
hang a soft ball or balloon from a door frame for child to bat at using a cardboard tube, fly swatter, or pool noodle
have a dance party- freeze in a pose when the music stops
Children at their Best
Children want to feel independent, but they don't want to be in charge.
Keep children on track by staying in the moment, vs. (for example), using the enticement of the playground as motivation, which is too far in the future
Anything you do for the child, find one way for them to participate, no matter how small. This builds the expectation of participation and cooperation, vs. it's opposite
SENSORY RECIPES -Keep children happily engaged for long periods of time