Pandemics certainly qualify as stressful times for children. Other Life events like divorce, illness (or death), or moving are full of stress too. It’s during times of stress or uncertainty children find comfort in routines. Schedules are routines put to paper, whiteboard chart, or electronically on your phone. It’s the predictability of schedules that lets children know what to expect.
CHANGE is the Only Constant in Life…
Right now families are in the midst of dealing with the coronavirus. LIFE has been thrown into disarray. Help your kiddo feel more grounded and get a sense of consistency by creating a schedule. In fact creating schedule might help YOU! If you normally work outside the home you either are exceptionally busy OR stressed after being laid off.
PLAY Schedules…
Everyone that follows Play & Grow believes in the POWER of PLAY. We know PLAY is serious learning and essential for children to thrive. Unstructured PLAY, where children have the materials, time and freedom to direct how the PLAY proceeds is critically important to kids’ cognitive development. Besides improving their problem-solving skills, unstructured PLAY allows children to be more creative and imaginative.
Unstructured PLAY for children does not equate to no planning and preparation by adults. Far from it! Start by using the framework for a schedule provided here. I provide many learning activity ideas plus give suggestions for materials for child-directed PLAY.
Multiple Schedules…
Preschool involved a lot of planning in a lot of areas. We did have a daily schedule, a framework for the kiddos. That was part of weekly, monthly and yearly schedules. This is not to suggest the coronavirus outbreak is going to be sticking around so long that you’re going to have to come up with multiple months-worth of schedules. I HOPE we’re all back to normal sooner rather than later! BUT with the learning activities already on Play & Grow plus the Go PLAY Activity Cards you have more than enough ideas to fill in your schedule.
Scheduling Self-Care…
Insuring children PLAY will go a long ways in helping them cope with the stress we currently are facing. Parents already have enough stress and anxiety. But please take care of yourself too. You know the basic stuff:
• Eat healthy food
• Stay hydrated
• Sleep well
• Stay connected to loved ones—virtually as necessary
• Get exercise
• Find something to keep your mind active–learn a new hobby; read a book
• Give in some way
• Be grateful
Soon the #StayAtHome and/or #ShelterInPlace orders will begin to lift. I think many businesses will undergo fundamental changes. More companies will offer permanent working from home positions for their employees. Even so, there will be stresses to be dealt with. I have a short, rejuvenating mediation for you busing working mamas! It’ll enhance any space you’re working in and help optimize your patience from a coronavirus-strained, home life. Email me and I’ll send it on!
We’ll get through this!
Yours in PLAY!
Teacher Karen
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