The Next Stage – Family life after COVID -19
The experience of the COVID-19 pandemic has affected everyone. We don’t know what the future will be like, except that some things will be different. Circumstances surrounding COVID-19 taught us about our resilience and ability to adapt in a difficult, constantly changing environment.
Here is some of what we learned:
- Our community is amazing!!!
Agencies in Middlesex-London stepped up to change the way they provide services. Stay tuned to see what this looks like in the future.
- When the weather is stormy, check out the activities available at http://www.londonpubliclibrary.ca/
- When you have to cancel your play date, see what’s going on at https://www.londonchildrensmuseum.ca/
- When your car breaks down and you miss playgroup, follow your Family Centre on Facebook for suggested activities and virtual events. Sign up for their e-blasts. For more information: http://familyinfo.ca/familyCentres.asp
- The county has wonderful offerings too! https://library.middlesex.ca/middlesex-earlyon
- Handwashing will never go out of style!
Ensure this habit continues to be engrained in your family’s routines.
https://www.caringforkids.cps.ca/handouts/handwashing
- Self-care is very important!
If we invest in the wellbeing of ourselves as parents and caregivers, we will be better prepared to cope with challenges.
- Your emotional well-being is important. Try journaling or a mindfulness activity. https://www.zerotothree.org/resources/2268-mindfulness-for-parents
- Limit exposure to media. Although it is helpful to maintain a sense of connection, it may also cause anxiety.
- Set aside daily time for yourself. Relax or do something you enjoy for at least 30 minutes.
- Get outside everyday.
- Take regular breaks. Include a healthy snack and some physical activity. Drink your water!
- Establish a flexible routine for your day. Predictability in uncertain times is calming.
- Reach out for help when needed. https://cmhamiddlesex.ca/[i]
- Screen-time is a useful tool!
Online resources allowed us to work from home, learn from home and provided much needed entertainment. Being mindful about screen-time misuse and overuse is still important:
- Role-model healthy screen use. (Just try your best!)
- Distinguish between screen-time for work/school versus entertainment. Choose active play, outdoor adventures, reading, art, music or dancing more often.
- Turn off screens (phones too!) during family times, especially mealtimes.
- Protect sleep for everyone! Stop screen-time an hour before bed.
- Try a Family Media Plan.
https://www.healthychildren.org/English/media/Pages/default.aspx
- Choose media suitable for your family. https://mediasmarts.ca/[ii]
Additional Resources:
https://developingchild.harvard.edu/guide/a-guide-to-covid-19-and-early-childhood-development/
https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public/healthy-parenting
i Zero to three. (2020). Young children at home during the COVID-19 outbreak. The importance of self-care. Retrieved from https://www.zerotothree.org/resources/3262-young-children-at-home-during-the-covid-19-outbreak-the-importance-of-self-care
ii Canadian Pediatric Society. (2020). Screen-time and young children. Retrieved from
https://www.caringforkids.cps.ca/handouts/screen-time-and-young-children
Submitted by Heather Bywaters RN PHN, Middlesex-London Health Unit for the
Middlesex-London Community Early Years Partnership
[i] Zero to three. (2020). Young children at home during the COVID-19 outbreak. The importance of self-care. Retrieved from https://www.zerotothree.org/resources/3262-young-children-at-home-during-the-covid-19-outbreak-the-importance-of-self-care
[ii]Canadian Pediatric Society. (2020). Screen-time and young children. Retrieved from
https://www.caringforkids.cps.ca/handouts/screen-time-and-young-children
Heather Bywaters RN PHN
Middlesex-London Health Unit
For the Middlesex-London Community Early Years Partnership
