Parenting is a journey.....Winter holidays (part one)

How to spend holidays at this time of the COVID 19 Pandemic: some fun-loving strategies to follow mindfully

At this time of the COVID 19 pandemic, holidays are around the corner and spend differently than before. As a mental health practitioner and a parenting coach, I want to share some fun-loving, helpful and important approaches to pursue mindfully. As a mom of three children, I planned some activities that are already outlined and discussed with my children. You might get inspired by some of the concepts

1. Structure and prepare in advance for each day: It is an excellent approach to plan each day. It will help you to organize a day, once you commencing this holiday season. While outlining, you can ask your children to add ventures for the day that fascinate them. It's easy to open a planner and follow recorded activities. It will convey enthusiasm, pleasure and satisfaction to their life. At the end of the day, children could tick ✔ activities that already performed, it will convey a sense of accomplishment to them

2. Get prepared/ready and welcome each day: This season, while staying at home, after having breakfast, dress up appropriately, do hairstyling and get ready to embrace each day (not in pyjamas or night suits). It might be communicating a sense of readiness, transition, and will bring a desire to accomplish something. It has a positive influence on your emotional health 

3. A daily trek and snapshot of nature: Walk has to pursue religiously, throughout this holiday season at this time of the COVID 19 pandemic, youngsters will be moving with you for a trek and you can add some adventure for them to let them carry their cameras to capture stunning trek and field. Kids will be in the natural environment, connect with nature and spend some time outdoors while maintaining physical distancing and wearing a mask. It will have a positive impact on their physical and mental health

4. Watch a movie that has a moralistic message: There are a variety of movies that teaches valuable lessons and create a positive impression on their young minds. After watching a movie, they can write a reflection and you have a conversation regarding moral teaching in that movie. You can ask, for instance, what is the inspiration and messages are learnt? Movies could be watched during this holiday season, for instance, English winglish, Ramchand Pakistani, I am kalam, Chalk and duster, Hichki, baby day out, Stanely ka Dabba, The Lion King, Elf, Willy Wonka and the chocolate factory, Home alone, Our planet, Finding Nemo, The Bee, Mulan, and 3 idiots. All of these movies have a strong message and have a positive influence on children's well-being. Comment below, what are the movies you are going to watch with your family this holiday season? Your suggestions can help someone to find a good movie

5. Preparing favourite meals for them: This holiday season, at this time of the COVID 19 pandemic, cooking delicious feasts for your family will be a yummy surprise for them. All of their favourite meals can be cooked or baked. Baking is a really fun and highly engaging activity for youngsters. You can find any recipe or video on YouTube, for instance, Chinese cuisine, Italian menu, Pakistani dishes, Russian courses, Hyderabadi meals, Fast Food and anything you imagine. This time soothes taste bud and eats nutritious food. Don't forget to consume fresh fruits and vegetables

6. Play board games every day, at least one: This holiday season is different, try to bring positivity and joy in the family environment and incorporate one game to play with your family daily. Games could be played with the family, for instance, liddo, Chinese checker, Cards, Puzzles and Kids' charades (the fun acting game). Playing these games provoke laughter, enjoyment, happiness at home and also strengthen family ties. What is your family's favourite game that plays together? Feel free to comment below as it might be a source of inspiration for someone

7. One country a day: At this time of the COVID 19 pandemic, I found one country a day activity highly entertaining and fascinating. Select a country and watch its historical and cultural documentary on YouTube or national geographic. Kids will learn a culture, food, currency, customs, geographic location and related information. Kids can track that country on a Google map and calculate its distance, and find neighbouring countries. This activity is free of cost and producing a long-lasting impression on youngsters mind

8. Reading time: This season has to be utilized wisely. You can request a child to read for you and then explain the given scenario. This way, a child will use imagination to explain the concept and on the other side, it will benefit them to develop their comprehension skills. My middle one is skilled at interpreting concepts and the youngest one a soft reader. I appreciate and enjoy both versions

9. Paint some rocks: This holiday season is distinct than before, I and the kids are going to paint rocks for my upcoming blogs and publications. we also plan to paint some emojis rocks, gratitude rocks, positive rocks, and compassion rocks. Painting rocks improve focus, concentration, eye-hand coordination, fine motor skills and releases stress and anxiety symptoms. Same benefits could be achieved through painting, doodling, sketching and drawing. I would recommend these activities for the holiday season at this time of the COVID 19 pandemic

10. Deep breathing competition: If you have more than one child, practice deep breathing competition, for instance, ask them to take a deep breath from their nose, hold it for a moment then blow out from mouth with a whooshy sound. Count their deep breath. Deep breathing stimulates them to release stress, tension, worry or relax/calm them down instantly at this time of the COVID 19 pandemic while staying at home during this holiday season

11. Help them to set their closet: You can teach them a variety of skills, while helping them to set their closet, for instance, how to organize/arrange garments, folding clothes, arrange in a sequence and maintaining a wardrobe. Keep supporting them, one day, you will be surprised 

12. Prepare donation box: Educate them on the significance of donation by preparing a donation box. Any gift items, clothing, books, stationaries, shoes, toys or anything extra or not in use. You can purchase some brand-new articles for donation and discuss their meaning with them (To be continued)

 If you have any question or concern, please feel free to ask or comment below