Keeping Spirits Up During School Closures

Dear friends and colleagues,

This week, many adults are working from home and local schools have closed or shifted to online classes. In fact, here at the Institute we've transitioned to working with our clients through online therapy in order to prioritize health and safety while still offering essential support during this period.

As we all start adjusting to the "new normal," we talk to people every day (including each other) who are grieving the loss of the things we're missing. We're adjusting to many changes in our lives and world. We feel for the suffering of those we know, those we don't know, and ourselves. Amidst all this, it's important to begin to create a sense of structure, of consistent daily rhythms, and to have some fun to help us stay engaged, connected and resilient.

We know parents are looking for suggestions to make the most of this extended family time at home. Some shared activity time during your family's week can be one of the anchors for daily rhythms. We've collected creative ideas from a few members of our team. Below, you'll find recommended activities for kids and teens. We hope they're helpful.

And feel free to review our Coronavirus Readiness web page, with our Practice Plan and suggested resources. We'll continue to update it. Wishing us all good health, good wisdom, and good calm as we journey together.

In Gratitude,
CEO & Founder, Licensed Psychologist
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ALL AGES
C REATE DEDICATED SCHOOL TIME SPACES:

As your kids and teens shift to online academic classes, set them up for success. Create dedicated school time spaces to provide an opportunity for greater focus and a sense of routine.

Their work spaces could be on a kitchen table or a desk - whatever works in your home. Even if they have to put their school things away at the end of every "school day," the school time space should include essential items and a couple of personal items such as name plate or favorite plant. This dedicated space can add familiarity and structure, which is much needed in times of upheaval.

MAKE THE MOST OF FAMILY MEALS:

You're going to be spending a lot of time together. Print out family conversation starters to have fun new topics to discuss at meals. Some questions to get the process started:
  • If you could have one super power, what would you choose and why?
  • If you could bring only three things to a deserted island, what would you bring and why?
  • If you could plan a trip anywhere, where would you go?
  • What is your favorite family tradition or activity?
  • Tell us about someone you really admire.
  • Share one thing you're grateful for right now.
  • What are the upsides of online classes?

ENJOY FAMILY MOVIE NIGHTS:

Check out Common Sense Media's recommended movies for all ages.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ELEMENTARY AGE
ACTIVITY IDEAS:

  • Make lunches together every day - or try baking every family member's favorite cookie over the next few weeks.
  • Encourage your kids to create a play and perform it for you.
  • Explore old family photos together.
  • Make a blanket fort and have lunch in it. 
  • Play an energy-burning, stress-busting game of Simon Says (running in place, jumping up and down, taking five deep breaths, etc.).
Stay healthy,

Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor – LPCC 6029
Institute for Girls' Development
MULTI-DAY PROJECTS:

Plan projects and activities that involve multiple steps and do a little bit each day. This way, you can plan fewer activities and encourage your kids to do more complex projects. Try activities that build upon themselves, for example:

  • Decorate or paint pots one day, and plant in them the next day.
  • Build a solar oven, and use it all week to bake different things.
  • Build a fort with one day; plan indoor camping for the next day. 

You can order affordable art and office supplies from online Dollar Stores. For more ideas, check out: Fun Things to do at Home.

HOME SCHOOL WEBSITES:

Home school websites are filled with home learning activities designed to match the common core learning standards. Some suggestions:
Well wishes,

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist - LMFT 101031
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL
AND HIGH SCHOOL AGE
Our teens, used to busy schedules filled with activities, social gatherings, and a lot of independence, are now at home 24/7 gearing up for online classes. They will connect with friends via face time, social media or online games - which is fine. They do need to connect. But time at home doesn't have to mean screen time overload.

What can we do as parents?

  • GIVE THEM SPACE - AND SUPPORT. You may feel the urge to fill their open days with family activities or throw your hands up and let screen time take over. Give them space and time to connect with friends - but also make a general plan regarding daily screen time. Help them brainstorm about non-screen time ideas.

What non-screen time activities do we recommend? These ideas are suggested and approved by teens!

To keep the creative juices flowing:
  • CREATE A PHOTO WALL. Print a bunch of favorite photos and tape them on your bedroom wall in a collage.
  • TRY TIE-DYE. Yes, tie-dye is back. Pull out some old t-shirts, order inexpensive tie-dye supplies, and spend a fun afternoon getting crafty.
  • MAKE SCRUNCHIES. Yes, scrunchies are also back! There are dozens of easy DIY tutorials online, like this one. Repurpose an old t-shirt or fabric scrap to get started.
  • BUILD A BULLET JOURNAL. Looking for a project to make you feel organized, creative and inspired? This could be it! Again, there are many great online tutorials, like this one.
  • PULL OUT THE PAINTS. Or markers. Or a pencil and paper. This isn't art class; it's just for you. Grab some art supplies and spend an hour creating something purely for fun.

To make the most of your personal space:
  • CHANNEL YOUR INNER DECORATOR. Get a fresh perspective on your space by moving your bedroom furniture around. It's free and can make you love your space in a new way.
  • CHANNEL YOUR INNER MARIE KONDO. This is perfect time to go through your closet and keep only the items that "spark joy."
  • PURGE AND DONATE. Then, put the other items into bags to donate! You'll streamline your space and help others. That's a win-win.

To stay energized:
  • RUN. Spring sports are cancelled for now, but you can still keep your endurance up and your energy high. Put on your favorite music, go outside, and run at your own pace.
  • WALK THE DOG. During the typical week, you may not have much time to walk the dog. Well, now you do! You'll feel better walking around the block every day, and your pup will appreciate it.
  • TRY ONLINE EXERCISE CLASSES. Stay active indoors by trying an online class for cardio, strength or yoga. There are many designed specifically for teens - pick your favorite!

To focus on self-care:
  • BAKE SOMETHING DELICIOUS. Make your favorite recipe or try something new.
  • MAKE BATH SALTS OR BATH BOMBS. There are lots of great, simple DIY bath salt recipes or bath bomb recipes online.
  • TAKE A WARM BATH. Draw a warm bath, put on some music, and enjoy!
Take care,

Director of Community Education and Outreach
Remember school closures are temporary, and this may be a good opportunity for teens to do things they normally don’t have time to try.

  • RELAXED READING: Are there books at home they've never really noticed? Parents, you could suggest some of your favorite novels, art books or photography books.

  • CREATIVE COOKING: Teens could try using ingredients in the pantry to create a dish to cook for themselves or the family. Not sure how to use certain ingredients? They can ask a parent or look online; they might discover some great new food combinations.

  • CONNECTION BY PHONE: Have any friends or family members you always promise to call but kept forgetting? Now is a great time to reconnect. This is a truly unique moment where probably everyone you know is stuck at home; they would love a phone call!

  • CONNECTION BY LETTER. OR POSTCARDS.: You can also experiment with writing letters or sending postcards. Try writing fan mail to one of your favorite musicians or artists. In a time of social distancing, we can explore new ways to connect.  
Well wishes,

Licensed Clinical Social Worker - LCSW 71254
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PLEASE NOTE:  Nothing in what you find here should be construed as medical advice pertinent to any individual. As is true with all written materials, you must be the judge of what appears valid and useful for yourself. Please take up any questions you might have regarding the content of this with your psychotherapist or physician.