For households that are self-isolating together, it may be challenging to keep the peace at all times. While it may seem healthy for families to spend more time together, it can be hard when you and your family members feel cooped up with limited alone-time.

Common Causes of Tension

One of the most common reasons your family members will be feeling tense right now is the collective stress of uncertainty. We don’t all adapt at the same speed, so keep that in mind if you notice your kids or partner is exhibiting signs of stress and unease over the pandemic. To alleviate boredom and help restore a sense of purpose and productivity, find things to do around the house, whether it’s cleaning up your wardrobe, learning to cook, or reading a book. You can take up old hobbies or start new ones, such as gardening. Gardening is a great option if you have the outdoor space for it — not only will it give you some fresh veggies in a few months, it’s great for getting a bit of exercise and fresh air. One important practice for households that are isolating together is getting outside for shared activities. There are plenty of ways to do this, whether it’s taking a walk to the park as a family, going to the beach for a swim, or even having an impromptu picnic in your backyard. 

Thank you to contributor Emma Grace Brown (Emmagracebrown.com). Read Part 2 in two weeks!

Reading about the How Melissa & Doug captured the toy market, one wooden block at a time, I was struck by this excerpt:

“Kids ages 8 to 12 spend an average of four hours and 38 minutes on screens a day, while children 8 and under average two hours and 19 minutes, according to the safe technology nonprofit Common Sense Media. The AAP warns that the overuse of screens puts children at risk of sleep deprivation and obesity, and although it’s still too early to determine the exact effects screens have on children, there are researchers attempting to glean some preliminary insights. …A study commissioned by the National Institutes of Health, meanwhile, found that limiting screen time improves kids’ brain function and academic performance.”

Yoga can be incredibly helpful for older kids whose pre-puberty bodies and brains are preparing for big changes. It serves all kids academically with Mindset and Movement practices for the classroom to improve transitions and performance. Simple practices that take 2 to 10 minutes have increased positive classroom collaboration and test scores at our participating schools.

Yoga for preschoolers, ages three to six years old, helps maintain the flexibility they were born with and build the strength they need to hold their bodies up for optimal learning. This focus helps prepare them for school and how to navigate respectful relationships with friends and teachers in the absence of their parents. 

In yoga, preschool children are very engaged and collaborative. They contribute to the class with their creativity. It’s fun to incorporate their ideas and to experience the contrast between loud and quiet, and big and small, which helps them learn self-regulation skills.

You can create a foundation of health and success when you start yoga early in life. These skills can take a child to new heights in kindergarten, elementary school and into the teenage years.