Health Wise: Coping with a COVID Summer - Ideas for Kids

This summer is a little different for us all.

Here we are, halfway through July – and most of us thought the COVID19 situation would be under control by now. But alas, we are still on an emotional rollercoaster, facing uncertainty and limitations. Many have gone back to work - to new challenges and difficulties. Some things have opened up, cautiously. Many of us still mostly stay home.

Home. This place that we love, that we find comfort in, has been somewhat of a cage this year. This is especially true for kids, who still find their typical summer activities (camps, sleepovers, pool time) limited or canceled. Who are adapting to the discomfort of masks, the weirdness of social distancing. Possibly worst of all, no one has any idea what the next school year will look like.

So here we are, trying to entertain ourselves and our kids, running out of crafts and movies. Watching businesses open and close again, checking the news daily, and hoping for progress. We could all use a little help!

We are continuing to provide online resources for families with kids. We’re updating our YouTube channel with tips for all - especially focusing on activities and coping skills for kids. You can check out our newest video - "Supporting Children During Covid”. This video will talk about what we can do to help kids cope, including ideas on the follows:

1. Building routine - in a way that makes sense to kids.
2. Maintaining social connections - important for kids and adults alike!
3. Showing them they have control - help children think about what they can control in their world right now.
4. Giving them space to express feelings - and being with them in that space through therapeutic play.
5. Understanding their negative behaviors - what needs are they trying to have met, and how can we nurture them towards positive choices?
6. Maintaining our own self care - kids pick up on our stress, and we can be better caregivers for them if we take care of ourselves.

Check out the above video for more details, and browse some of our other videos too. Charlotte’s videos focus on activities, coping skills and supporting children during COVID, while Jonathan walks us through mindfulness for kids - guided relaxation, body/brain integration poses, using the senses, and art!

Finally, we have two more great resources available now. Two new therapists have joined our team! Jenipher Servin Olivares, MS, TLLP and Shelby Werkema, MSW, LLMSW are available in person (or online if you so choose) to see kids, parents, and anyone else who needs help!

P.S. As COVID issues flare up in various places, it has taken some of the fire out from under the fight for racial justice - but we have not forgotten and we are not done fighting. Next time, we will share some ideas of talking to kids about racial issues so they can learn and grow in this important way too. Stay tuned!

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