Today in Canada we are recognizing Bell Let’s Talk Day. This is a nationwide initiative to get us talking about the importance of mental health. This year, with COVID-19 causing isolation and shut-downs, it is even more important to bring mental health into our awareness and everyday conversations. Every single one of us will feel the impact of mental health. It might be in our own levels of stress or a family member or a friend or a colleague or a child. Children at this time are very vulnerable as the world around them is changing quickly and they do not have the tools to cope with the uncertainty and worries associated with this pandemic. They have been isolated from their friends and teachers, they are restricted in their time outdoors and are surrounded by adults who are also trying to figure out life in a pandemic world. Children need the adults around them to guide them with some tools to address their fatigued minds. Here a few ideas to get you started with your own children…these can also be used for yourself the adult!
- Go for a walk: Benefits include physical activity, fresh air, vitamin D, and beauty in nature. Resource: Last Child in the Woods
- Read a book: Benefits include learning new words, identifying feelings, building social connections and building character. Resource: PBS: Why Reading Aloud to Kids Helps Them Thrive
- Play a board game: Benefits include language development, problem-solving skills, building interpersonal relationships and promoting resilience. Resource: Scholastic: The Surprising Benefits Your Kid Gets From Playing Board Games
- Cooking together: Benefits include increasing independence skills, building fine motor skills, applying math concepts to real life and family bonding. Resource: Food Network: Cooking with Kids Recipes
- Dancing to Music: Benefits include physical activity, self-expression, building gross motor skills and increasing communication skills. Resource: 26 Pop Songs Little Kids (and Parents) Can Dance To
If you have any other favourite activities to do with your children which can help with mental health, please post it in the comments section.