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WHAT EVERY PARENT NEEDS TO HAVE ON HAND
Stay Strong, Get Dirty Make spring all about dirt, health, and self-care by D R . S U S A N N A B L O C K
P H OTO : S H U TTE RSTOC K
of KAISER PERMANENTE
Although COVID-19 continues to direct many aspects of how we live and socialize, let’s take a minute to remember what we can control and to recommit to self-care, healthy choices and strength. Self-care. Self-care is one of the most important things we can do. Our strength and a calm, positive outlook set the tone for our families, and as we know, all of this – school, social life, COVID-19 — is a marathon, not a sprint. Self-care looks different for different people, but remember to do something kind for yourself every day. Whether it’s taking time to go for a walk, read a book or catch up with an old friend, this is the core stuff that keeps us strong and rejuvenated and gives us the endurance we need. Get outside. The weather has been rough, but getting outside for a daily walk, run or stroll with a friend is one of the
healthiest things we can do. Cold slush? No problem: That’s what jackets are for! Exercise and fresh air do wonders for sleep, fitness and mental health. Let’s be serious: These are all things we need. Get dirty. Many kids are extremely nervous about germs, and this extends to getting dirty with outside play. The worry makes sense around fear of transmitting a virus, but it is adding to childhood anxiety and fear in other areas too. We’ve been talking about this a lot in our house, and I’m challenging my kids to get legitimately dirty five days a week. Playing with puddles, grass or the dog (if you have one) are all good things. Navigate scary situations with a plan. There are still a lot of unknowns about COVID as spring rolls in. Rather than avoid scary topics, work together to make a plan. This helps kids feel empowered to navigate scary situations. Whether it is recommitting to masking indoors or discussing how the family will respond if someone gets the virus, this is real stuff. Being up-front and outlining a plan helps children feel in control. Vaccinate and boost. I know we’ve heard this a lot. But that’s because it’s true.
Take the Get Dirty Challenge! I mean this literally. Let’s get our kids outside and dirty. As in dirt! Fresh air and overcoming fear of dirt help reduce anxiety. Email your stories and photos about getting out and dirty even in froggy weather to jhanson@seattleschild.com and let us know if we can share them!
COVID vaccines and boosters have been proven safe and extremely effective in preventing severe disease, hospitalization and illness. If your children are age-eligible, vaccinate. Also, don’t forget a flu vaccine. Refresh your masks. Masks are not going anywhere, and if your family is like ours, we’ve gone through many different mask types. Toss old, poorly fitting masks. Kids have grown a lot during these two years, so make sure the masks they are wearing fit properly. Wearing a mask adds protection in public indoor spaces as does handwashing and physical distancing.
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