Staying Sane at home with your Kiddos: For families with younger Kids
At Autism Calgary we know COVID-19 is causing challenges for everyone in the community. We also know that families in our ASD community have some very unique challenges that come with staying home with their kids and getting through these unprecedented times.
An American mom living in Italy wrote a wonderfully honest post about her experience in quarantine with her husband and two kids. Check it out here.
We wanted to share this quote from the blog to let all the parents (moms and dads) out there know that although it might be a tough few weeks or months for all of us – together, we will get through this:
I want to let you know that if you find yourself in a similar situation in a few weeks, you’re going to get through it. But, I actually hate when people tell me I am going to get through it. Of course I am! I’m a mom, which means I’m a member of the strongest subgroup in the human race! So scratch that. Instead, I’ll tell you this: It’s going to be terrible. Sure you can do it, but it’s OK to feel like it’s truly the worst of times.
Easy & Fun activities to keep everyone busy and happy
A great post about how to maintain a schedule at home to help your child on the autism spectrum through school closures due to COVID-19. Also includes lots of ideas for fun activities with educational ones too! https://www.themomkind.com/autism-and-coronavirus-quarantine-how-to-manage-the-daily-routine/
Easy ladybug art project using a potato and some red and black paint https://www.mymommystyle.com/potato-stamp-ladybugs/?fbclid=IwAR2HSH5BAQ3zB5deJtlLHS31xn1z2axk_GC8PBCAjD4tW9sGE8ihBH-p-gA
Actor Josh Gad (who is the voice of Olaf from frozen) has started reading children’s books out loud every night from his house where he is under self isolation. Check out the videos here: https://chipandco.com/actor-josh-gad-is-reading-books-to-kids-online-every-night-during-coronavirus-quarantines-383789/?fbclid=IwAR2JdnMNWlJRcgb5dMdnkUPvw6mBurrn4CrrZ6WftpcS23UAGJcypKBTkQc
Speaking of Frozen here is a video of some behind the scenes and blooper scenes from Frozen 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tqIXjSjmE78
Activities for Home Schooling:
With kid’s home from school many parents are feeling the pressure to homeschool their children. We want to assure parents that we know this can seem like a monumental task – just do your best and try to not put too much pressure on yourself or your kids.
Here are a few website with some activities and ideas that are educational and keep your kiddos learning and thinking throughout their time at home:
A list of awesome activities for kids, written by a school principal, to do that require no supplies at all or just a few things you probably have at home. Many of these activities kids can even do on their own: https://www.weareteachers.com/things-to-do-during-covid/?utm_content=1584460940&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&fbclid=IwAR2GOVboVtUhT4AIde6v1oa1EmSx1mXLyOWdD52Bi-NsYzyZdtY7zIZ11ig
A teacher has compiled a list of educational activities, printable worksheets and websites for kids to keep learning at home during after schools have closed: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1m-4zVlmijOaV6KPFGGvSROsr34ULgz0i9Bx5ecgEyGs/edit?fbclid=IwAR3sT-AsRUi0txGyqEH6XFLf-b26qV6xmOQWsp0B4IgHASqhQ7vXC8pFdic
Lessons and Activities organized by grade level: https://classroommagazines.scholastic.com/support/learnathome.html?fbclid=IwAR31_QqE8Ky8hi4EAhIrpcuMlMlzZ6qmvYc47DGtznalLnuHOhXzvo0QoFo
Virtual Tours of 12 famous museums around the world: https://www.travelandleisure.com/attractions/museums-galleries/museums-with-virtual-tours?fbclid=IwAR3or6N7wbfjxM5O3zoBfTIlhuldwAtFX8kzn3GCLjGmgkWE46b9RWDQEJc
Are your kids (or you) feeling anxious about the COVID-19 situation?
Here are a few resources to help with that:
A video about helping children manage their anxiety related to COVID-19: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ocddWZuLYbw&feature=youtu.be&mc_cid=05e9199e36&mc_eid=55fd398915&fbclid=IwAR2VXJsj7AvyWP7BjRMxe3oPlxDIKyiHlqjS8s-xHDI2kIgzeAOVIIsoK3s
Check out the CBE’s guide to talking to children about COVID-19
Music and art can also be a great way to calm the nerves and express our feelings (for both adults and kids). JB music therapy in Calgary is offering online music therapy. https://www.jbmusictherapy.com/online-music-therapy/?fbclid=IwAR0dAeFQsI6WwXtc2rZ7bIhhdgVX1_EiBrn1cqAUSSBHK38oHPN8tJeYTJc