Hello Friends!!
Welcome back to another week on the Wellness Corner With Cassandra.
Most can agree that 2020 has definitely left its mark on the world. It has caused changes in the way we interact, work, go to the doctor, shop and parent. I remember waking up January 1 2020 energetic and optimist about what the year would bring for myself, my family etc. And as the months quickly began to pass by, I realized that 2020 was going to bring along some challenges.
One of the challenges I would like to focus on this week is parenting. Whether you are a parent to one child or many children, the last few months have created a very delicate space with them. School aged children K-12 have been separated from friends, teachers and support staff that have always been an important part of their daily lives
Parents have had to make new sacrifices with staying at home and schooling their children. Most parents have become the teacher, the coach, the tutor, the cafeteria worker and the custodian. Some adult children have had to come home from college during school closures. This has lead to them experiencing feelings of isolation.
Parents have managed to become a new type of support system for children. One that involves, academic, mental and emotional support. This has not been an easy task for most and there are days where as parents, you may feel as though you don’t have all the answers or the best ways to assist your children.
Stay Encouraged!
My encouragement to all parents is to keep giving your children love daily. Create designated times where you and your children go for drives to your favorite to-go food spots. Watch a movie together at least one night a week and pull out one of your board games. Set up a family “circle time” where each family member checks in and speaks for 3-5 minutes about their week, how they are feeling, and what their hope is for the following week.
Creating an environment where topics can be broken down, dissected, and worked through as a family will bring closeness and trust. Having discussions with your children about how being isolated from family and friends affects their wellbeing is actually a good way to take steps toward their overall wellness. Communication plays such a vital role in healing, acceptance, and the ability to remain present in the moment. Allowing children to be active participants in their own life, will encourage self esteem, leadership, and creativity.
For your college children, allow them to express their financial fears, worries for their future, and any other anxieties they might have about readjusting to life back on campus. Be a listening ear without feeling as though you have to hurry and “fix” your children. Hear out their strategies and offer your input once they have invited you to comment. I believe your opinions will be much more appreciated and respected.
Don’t be Afraid to get the additional Support you need!
Lastly, remember that you are not alone in this. There are parents all over the world that are still figuring out how to discuss the trials and hard times 2020 has brought along for our world. Stay honest and informed, and your children will definitely respect you for that. Also, check in with yourself from time to time to make sure you are finding ways to release negative thoughts and energy, and stay well.
Make sure to check your mail frequently over the summer and pay attention to the correspondence you get from your child’s school district. Surveys should be sent out soon. Answer honestly how you want your child’s education to look for the upcoming school year. And remember, if you need just a little more support, join an online parenting support group, or find a family counseling center where both you and your children can have an online session together and find the extra support you might need.
Here is a super easy 2 ingredient recipe, kindergarteners all the way up to your college kids will enjoy as a healthy alternative to cookies.
Sliced banana and Peanut butter sandwiches
2-3 medium sized bananas
4 heaping tablespoons of peanut butter (almond butter works well too)
Peel bananas. Slice bananas in quarter inch slices.
With a spoon, add about a quarter of a teaspoon of peanut butter to each slice.
Next, place two of the banana slices together to
create a sandwich.
Repeat process till all the slices are placed together. Enjoy!
While you are in the kitchen with your children, I suggest lighting an Ajaba Natural Peach, Grapefruit and Thyme candle. I have always loved the smell of grapefruit. You will be pleasantly satisfied with how Ajaba Naturals pairs it with peach and thyme. The scent is energizing and up-lifting. Ajaba Naturals all natural hand poured soy wax candles come with an easy to light wood wick that provides hours of refreshing scent. The essential oils in the candle are incredibly fragrant, and smell becomes even sweeter once the candle is lit. Enjoy your family time and allow the sweet smell of summer to fill your kitchen!
1 comment
Thank you!!Tried the recipe and it was delicious.