The Calming Corner
Ideas for Support During Uncertain Times
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Quote of the Day
Parent Tips and Resources
How does this translate into our daily lives? Right now, every family is in a different spot on the pyramid, and that's okay. Some days your family's focus might be on just basic Physiological and Safety needs such as sleeping, eating consistently, and making sure your family is remaining safe. On days like that, it is more challenging to engage with others, coworkers, friends, or classmates. On other days you might feel like you're able to engage in the higher-order stages, and you think you've reached a point within Esteem or even Self-Actualization. On those days, maybe you've felt more productive or did something to give back to the community.
Wherever you are on the hierarchy is okay, and it is important to understand that some days will be easier or more difficult than others. Focusing on what you and your family need are what is most important.
Mindfulness Activities
Drawing can be a very therapeutic activity and is perfect for people of all ages. There's a reason adult coloring books have become popular! A relaxing drawing choice (in our opinion) are mandalas. Mandalas are geometric patterns meant to help focus attention and have many deep meanings in Buddhism.
Monday Mandala is one website where you can find free printable drawings, but there are endless options when you search online. You can also create your own!
Physical Activities
One fun way to incorporate a dance party into your household comes from a summer camp game called Bedtime Bop. There are two different ways you can play, but first, someone in your family picks a song. It can be the same each day, or you can choose a new song daily for variety - we recommend upbeat songs!
- Version 1: Everyone who wishes to participate gathers on the "dance floor," and one person is designated as the DJ. The DJ chooses when to stop and start the music and also monitors the players in the game. When the music is on, all players have to dance. When the DJ pauses the music, everyone freezes and if the DJ sees you moving you're out. Once a person is out, they have to start their bedtime routine. The last one remaining wins!
- Version 2: Once the DJ has chosen the song and pushed play on the song, all participants need to start their bedtime routines. The objective is to finish all of the steps before the song finishing (teeth brushing, changing into PJs, picking a bedtime story, etc.). This version works better if you use the same song each day so your family can get into a consistent routine.
Version 2 also works well if you have daily chores in your house. You might want to create a Cleaning Playlist where everyone in the family has a specific amount of time to complete their assigned tasks and if there is time remaining that turns into a dance party!
Reading Corner
- One mother wrote an editorial in the Washington Post about her adult son who has autism and his challenges with wearing a face mask.
- The Autism Research Institute wrote a social story called I Can Wear a Face Mask that's appropriate for not just children with autism but all young children.
- This link from the American Academy for Pediatrics has general talking points for helping your child get used to wearing a mask.
Community Resources
As mental health professionals, we are continually receiving resources about how to support the students and families we serve. One such webinar is coming up in a few weeks. Register for the free webinar: Dealing with Challenging Homebound Kids? Try the Nurtured Heart Approach® hosted by Effective School Solutions on May 27th at 4 pm. Participants will learn how to use the Nurtured Heart Approach® to find the greatness in our students and children- a great approach to interacting with students during these times of school closure.
You can also access free public events through William James College, such as virtual playgroups, parenting groups, and working from home support groups. Learn more here!
Compiled by the Hosmer Mental Health Team
Mary Anne Billings - Behavior Specialist
Regina Cosnowsky- School Psychologist
Erin Condon - Guidance Counselor (Grades 3-5)
Georgia Mulgrew - Guidance Counselor (Grades PreK-2)
Catherine Rossi - School Psychologist
If you have any questions and you're not sure who to ask; reach out to your school psychologists. We're here to help: Ms. Cosnowsky (regina.cosnowsky@watertown.k12.ma.us) and Miss Rossi (catherine.rossi@watertown.k12.ma.us).