Here are a few ideas on what to do over the break.  Whether you have younger children or older children, no one is too old for quality time with a loved one. This allows your child a chance to have your complete attention!
For younger kids:

  • Legos
  • Color/Draw
  • Craft project
  • Play a game
  • Build a fort
  • Play with dolls/action figures

For older kids:

  • Go for a walk/hike
  • Get a cup of tea or hot chocolate together
  • Talk
  • Practice a sport
  • Let them teach you about a favorite topic:  music, sports, Pokémon, anime
  • Bake/cook together
Special Time DOs

  • Let the child choose and lead the activity
  • Keep the sports commentator comments flowing!
  • Roll with changes
  • Stay in the moment, enjoy your child
  • Ignore minor misbehaviors, handle major misbehaviors as you normally would
  • Praise positive actions – sharing, cooperation, persistence, problem solving, coping skills and focus
Special Time Don’ts

  • Give instructions or suggestions
  • Ask questions (this interrupts child’s flow)
  • Teach the child to do it properly
  • Bring up past or future
  • Criticize or correct minor misbehaviors (being messy, annoying noises)
  • All these “don’t” behaviors work against your goal of boosting connection and positive interactions
NOT Special Time Activities

  • Video games, TV, movies (must be an activity, not a passivity)
  • Doing chores (unless requested by child)
  • Running errands
  • Cleaning up
  • Teaching a child a new game or skill
  • Competitive games (with a winner and loser)
UNPLUG OVER THE BREAK
New research shows that teenagers feel positive emotions when they unplug.  Try it for yourself!  Over spring break,  go on a “screen” vacation and notice how you feel.

WHY ZERO STRESS SHOULDN’T BE YOUR GOAL

Did you know that some stress can be a good thing?  CLICK HERE to learn why some stress is actually healthy.

APRIL DATES

April 1-5: Spring Break (no school)
April 1:  April Fools Day
April 2:  World Autism Awareness Day
April 4:  National School Librarian Day
April 5:  National Self-Care Day
April 7:  Walk to Work Day
April 11:  National Pet Day
April 13:  Celebrate Teen Literature Day
April 18:  National Exercise Day
April 22:  Earth Day
April 25:  School Bus Drivers Day
April 28:  Pay It Forward Day
Last but not least:  SUMMER CAMPS!

Whatcom Kid Insider is a local resource which has classes, programs and camps for children.

Questions? Contact Mental Health Coordinator Laura Lupo, llupo@meridian.wednet.edu.