by TMH Clinical Director, Jackie Covell

At The Meeting House, one of our sayings has always been, “Get all the information before making a social decision”. Unfortunately, the information we are getting these days keeps shifting under our feet like tectonic plates of the earth’s surface. What is a parent to do? Yesterday’s ideas and warnings fall flat in light of the latest breaking news; fortunately, I have come upon some wisdom from professionals in my field that I am confident will make a practical difference in your lives. I have changed it up a bit to make it my own so please feel free to do the same!

The basics are as follows: select one thing from each column everyday. This is something you can do YOURSELF and with your children/family members. It’s a great portable way to provide structure during unstructured times. If you select something from one column, you may not use it to fulfill any other column. Each day, do something physical, something just for fun, something social and something productive.

I am providing a sample chart for your use as a printable PDF. Click Here

Sample activities

Fun:
Play video games, bake cookies, watch a movie, jump rope

Social:
Video chat with a friend, play a board game with a sibling, write a letter to a grandparent, call a distant relative

Physical:
Ride a bike, online karate class, walk the dog, swim, shoot hoops

Productive:
Read a book, Video chat with teacher, vacuum, wash dishes, garden, send card to essential worker, get hair cut

Having a schedule of any type is essential at this time and helps restore a sense of predictability that children need. It gives a sense of purpose to their day and marks the days in an activity based way. I hope in some way this proves helpful.

My best wishes for a healthy summer,
Jackie Covell Clinical School Psychologist