Because of the unique circumstances that this health crisis has caused, please focus on the health and safety of your family as that is the number one priority during this time.
The roots of Occupational Therapy practice goes back to function and play (the occupation of students) So….during this time, which is uncertain and can be scary to not only adults but also to our children, please focus on the time you can spend with your children and incorporate functional things and lots of PLAY into your schedule. Take family walks, have your children help in the kitchen, teach them chores they can do (fold towels, match socks, set the table, clean down surfaces, sort laundry by color, etc.).
As long as the weather holds out and with Spring around the corner have your children ride their bike, play basketball in your driveway, play with sidewalk chalk outside. The fresh air is good for everyone and play is the true occupation of children. Indoor play can incorporate play-doh, legos, coloring, making cards for neighbors/friends.
Read with your children, hold them close and try to have a schedule that will help promote some routine during these uncertain times. Limit the news on tv where your children can hear things that may cause more panic. Limit screens as much as possible (tv, I-pad, video games, etc.) in exchange for talking, taking family walks, outdoor play as well as indoor play with toys. This is the time to get creative – make forts, play board games and card games, create an indoor obstacle course by crawling under chairs, jumping, rolling on the carpet, etc.
The Occupational Therapy staff is awaiting further direction and will be posting OT activities. I will provide those more specific activity ideas as we develop them.
Until my next post – take care of yourself and your family, follow the protocols that we are given and we will get through all of this together !