Using household items to support children in developing the tools necessary to work and understand the tension that leads to discomfort and eventually compassion helps children to navigate big emotions and make meaning of challenging experiences that shape their lives.
Based on the @CHOPRA image.
Children may have lots of questions about the Coronavirus or Covid19. This video offers some easy to do activities that help children learn about and understand why its important to wash our hands, how make their own virus, and a VIRUS Bingo game that encourages mastery, control and open and honest conversations.
Scroll down or use this link to Rewatch the DIY Hand Washing Song for a fun way to engage children in washing their hands.
I have also included some links to other sources that help trusted adults answer questions, ways for your kids to be a “helper” and some fun family self care practices.
Explaining Coronavirus to kids and the science of soap
Explaining Alzheimer’s and Dementia to children or the adults who have the diagnosis should focus on how the brain sends messages and stores memories as well as the effects of the disease. Using neurons made from beads and a train track supports understanding about the disease but also develops empathy for a loved one’s struggles with memory loss. Support your children not only by explaining the memory loss but also with tools to build connection and help a loved one stay present in the moment.
This is the link I used to create my neurons. I adapted mine from a few of the examples:
Having a loved one in jail/prison can be confusing. Trying to navigate an unfamiliar environment is made that much more difficult when children are involved. However, visiting a loved one in jail is one way for families to stay connected. This video address preparing a child for a “No Touch” visitation environment using two old landlines phones and a piece of plexi glass.
Music is a great way to engage children in learning new skills or practicing old ones. This song is part of my curriculum Germbusters! that teaches children good hand hygiene . Kids can sing it while they wash or just a fun ditty to remember why to wash.
The song was written by Ruthanne Paulson of www.performingartsinspirations.com.
Sung to the tune of Do Re Mi.
D.I.Y Child Life 