How to help our kids and our families stay safe and sane 

With the world in quarantine, our family life has drastically change. No school, no playdates, no dining out, no gym and no movies. Just like you, my husband and I are constantly listening to the news trying to stay informed and being proactive during this flu season. We don't know how long it is going to take until we can all go back to a new normal in the near future. So, what do we do with online schooling, social distancing and limited community activities? Here are a few tips where you and your family can start:

• CREATE A DAILY ROUTINE: as daily life becomes less familiar, create a daily schedule for the family, review it together and hang it up for all to see. If your kids are older, let them create their calendar and review it together. 

• SCHOOL-AGE CHILDREN:  as schools are transitioning to remote learning, create a schedule that includes work time, free time, meals and tech-free breaks.

• YOUNGER CHILDREN: play, play, play. Children make sense of the world through playtime. Let them watch TV (their favorite shows or a movie) so you can take a break. Take short walks around the block or in areas where it is less crowded. Fresh air will be good for you and your child. 

• FAMILY TIME: play board games, cards, watch a movie and cook together. Make an effort to have dinner together and continue the conversation. 

• COMMUNICATION: talk to your kids about feelings of anger and frustration. Create moments to sit around the table and talk about what is happening. Listen to what they have to say. 

• TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF: as parents we tend to forget about ourselves while taking care of our family. Add some quiet time to your personal schedule and disconnect. You can use this time to take a bath, read a book, take a nap, exercise, go for a walk or listen to music (and make it social media free!). Find a moment or two during the day to take a mental and emotional break: You deserve it! 

INFORMATION OVERLOAD

The news, social media, friends and family are all talking. We all listen to the same information differently. News casters have their own political agenda especially during this election year. Listen to the information and use common sense. Be mindful of what your share on social media, and smart about what you read in social media. Each family will have different ways of dealing with this situation. Make sure you and your co-parent are on the same page and create your own family plan. We all must do our part to stay safe, stay calm and support our children as we go through these uncertain times.