Volunteering as a Family: Finding Ways to Give Back
Volunteering as a family is a concrete way to apply and demonstrate shared values and beliefs while making a positive impact on your world (Ameri Corps, 2020). Families who volunteer have the unique experience of working together toward a shared goal, most often for the benefit of others. Quality time spent together while volunteering can …
National Children’s Health Month: 5210
October is National Children’s Health Month. Children learn about and model health behaviors from their families and their environments. The 5-2-1-0 health messaging campaign is a way to build and promote lifelong healthy habits for children at home and in the community. Do you know the 5-2-1-0 message? The 5-2-1-0 message recommends four healthy behaviors …
Influenza and Children: Your child may benefit more than ever from an Influenza (flu) shot this year!
This year’s flu season will coincide with the ongoing spread of the COVID-19 virus. As a result, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are cautioning the occurrence of a “Twin-demic.” That is when two diseases spread at the same time. Yes, you can contract Influenza and COVID-19 at the same time, which could …
Managing Screen Time During COVID-19
As a result of COVID-19, the use of electronic devices for learning, connecting, and recreating has increased greatly. With this increase, families may be concerned about how much screen time is too much screen time for their children. Keep it simple. Remember, screen time management during COVID-19 is more about quality and less about quantity. …
Promoting Healthy Behaviors to Reduce the Spread of COVID-19
As we continue to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, parents and families should remain diligent in modeling and promoting healthy behaviors that reduce the spread of COVID-19. Currently, a vaccine is not available to help minimize and prevent the spread of COVID-19. Fortunately, there are several strategies, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention …
Get Outdoors! But, Leave No Trace!
Though the pandemic we are living through has created many challenges for people, there have been some positive consequences! One positive result is the increased interest of individuals and families in participating in outdoor recreation activities and enjoying natural lands and trail systems. While it’s always a good choice to head outdoors, if you’re going …
Teaching Children Life Skills
Just as learning how to read and write is vital to functioning in society, mastering life skills, such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and displaying empathy, is also crucial to operating and advancing in our complex world. Life skills are abilities that help one cope with situations and challenges that arise each day. Starting to learn …
Teens and COVID-19
Schedules, routines, our very lives have been changed by COVID-19. Entire families have been affected, but social distancing may be especially difficult for teenagers who aren’t able to visit friends and are missing important milestones, such as graduations, proms, and sporting events. Parents may find it difficult to motivate teens to complete school work or …
