We understand that things are a little bit different right now, here are a few tips on how to keep kids connected during a lockdown.
Wellness & Physical Activity:
Despite it being easy to chill out on the lounge, it’s extremely important to keep active! There are many ways you can achieve this that do not include face to face sporting or training programs!
A few tips
- Consider a routine-based exercise schedule.
- Challenge yourself!
- Spend some time outdoors.
For example, you could create your own soccer, NRL or AFL goals by simply using your at-home recycling bins!
Kid Safe Online Programs:
Kids are crazed about online gaming. You have probably heard of Fortnite, Minecraft, ZOOM games and the classic console games. We often forget they are also texting, phoning and video calling. The digital world is evolving and considered a great way to maintain social relationships online. Being mindful of online safety is extremely important too!
A few programs that are kid-safe that your child may be able to explore:
- ZOOM
- Google classroom
- Just Dance
- Roblox
Experiment safely:
With some quieter time at home, why not investigate by doing some simple science experiments.
A few easy at-home science experiments:
- Lava lamp
- Make a Volcano!
- Orange Fizz
- Dry Erase
- Rocket blast balloon
And much more:
https://www.sciencefun.org/kidszone/experiments/
Become a MasterChef:
This is a great time to learn how to cook! Our fast-paced lives have suddenly slowed down so focusing on healthy and nutritious meals to keep your immune system up is a great pass time and opportunity for kids to work together. Ideas of what to cook could be through a family recipe or ideas from TV cooking shows.
Some examples to get started that are very kid-friendly:
www.kidspot.com.au/kitchen/recipes/collections/ cooking-for-kids – www.myfoodbook.com.au/events-seasons/kids-cooking.
Taking care of you:
But do not forget it’s important to check in and ask how our kids are feeling, it can be a parent or other family member, an online or phone counselling service, a sporting coach or WAYS Wellness Team. Sometimes talking to someone lifts a huge that feels carried around.
Kids are feeling anxious, stressed, confused, and may need that little bit of extra support when they are at home all the time.
It’s OK to talk to someone. It’s OK to not feel OK.
To support mental health for kids, you could consider:
- Our Case Managers offer casual phone chats if you need someone to talk to or need to know what your next steps should be:
PLEASE CALL OUR TEAM WHO ARE HERE TO HELP YOU :Milo – FROM 9 am and 1 pm on 0420 499 776.Christina – FROM 1 pm and 5 pm on 0424 553 187.
- The Kids helpline web chat has a feature to talk with someone online at kidshelpline.com.au.
- 2Connect Youth & Community offers a variety of services to help the mental health and wellbeing of young people during lockdowns: https://2connect.org.au