Winter fun during COVID
Sorry the blogs have not been as consistent as in the past. As things hopefully get closer to normal over next few months we will resume our monthly blogs. We hope you have all been staying healthy, both physically and mentally.
The Pfizer COVID vaccine is close to approval and we will certainly post a blog about questions on that vaccine as it gets closer to use in the general public and eventually in children. We eagerly anticipate medical staff being able to get it soon.
We are, however, right now still in the midst of needing to be socially distanced and trying to limit exposure to people outside our household, so the next few months could be hard yet. Here are some ideas to try to keep your family active and engaged. As I always say (you can ask my kids) there is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing….dress in layers for some of the outdoor activities because you will warm up quick!
- We have so many great beaches in the area, and they are fun to walk on even when it is cold. Make sure to stay out of the water, and the “ice bergs” that often form in the winter are not safe to climb on, but they are amazing to look at.
- Enjoy a hike in one of the great parks in the area. My family especially like Sanctuary Woods, and the Mt. Pisgah Stairs with trails at the top, but there are many more in the area.
- Right now is a great time to walk around your neighborhood or a new neighborhood and look at all the beautiful Christmas lights.
- Take advantage of the evening darkness and to a family game of Ghost in the Graveyard or Flashlight Tag
- Family dance party inside….the Just Dance game is a good use of the video game console, and younger kids will just love to dance to any song.
- Scavenger hunt—inside or out. There are some fun ready to go games where you compete to find different things first or try these scavenger hunt ideas.
- Any type of walk as a family is great…sometimes your teenager may actually talk to you!
- 7 minutes workout apps are a quick way to get some cardio in and doing it as a family often gets some good laughs….nothing a tween or teen doesn’t love more than making fun of their parents push-up technique.
There are just a few ideas! I will post more as I think of them.
Please be sure to check in with your tween and teens how they are doing mentally through all of this. Consider having National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1.800.273.TALK (8255) posted in a spot in your house. Please reach out to us if you need help navigating mental health resources.