5 Ways to Socialize Your Kids

Children Outside Adjusted

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about many challenges – one of them being that we now live in a socially distant world.

For the better part of a year now, kids have been limited in their ability to socialize due to schools being closed and social activities being shut down, if not severely limited. This is to stop the spread of the virus that has killed hundreds of thousands of people.

While it is important to remind our children why we must adhere to local health guidelines and regulations, it is also important to understand that their world changed in an instant. Friends they were used to seeing daily, are but a mere face on a screen. And much like a muscle that atrophies inside a cast, when socialization is not practiced, it too needs to be strengthened so it will work properly when the time comes.

To help strengthen that muscle, here are some tips on how to socialize your kids in a socially distant world.

1. Have Daily Conversations with your Kids

Conversation is an important part of socialization because it encourages the use of language. It might also be a good idea to talk about how they are feeling during this challenging time. Talk with your child daily, if not several times daily. Who knows? You also might find that you get to know each other better. You may even become friends.

2. Encourage Productive Social Media Usage

Social media at its core is a place for people to be social. It is a place to express feelings and have conversations, and when used to achieve a positive social result, it is a fantastic tool!

Encourage your teens who are on social media to use it to converse with friends and family members who do not live with you. Teach them how to make social media a productive tool and not one that sucks the energy out of you (because it can do that, too).

3. Encourage Your Kids to Read

Books have language and dialogue, which means they are a great place to learn how to use words in conversational settings. Encourage your kids to read books so they can learn language! Who knows? Once the regulations are lifted, your child may emerge with a bright vocabulary and the confidence to match!

4. Get Out When You Are Able

While outings are limited, it is important to get out and see people (even while masked and at a distance). If you need to go to the store or for a walk, take your child with you so they can see people and remember what it’s like to be out in the world. We may be living during a challenging time in history, but we are living in historic times that we will tell stories about for years to come.

 

 

Due to the expansion of the COVID-19 pandemic, LIFEPOINT IS GOING VIRTUAL until the pandemic passes!  

Lucky for all of us, like many other insurance companies, Blue Cross is now covering virtual sessions (aka telemedicine)! We care so deeply for our clinicians and clients we want to do our part in stopping this from spreading. 

As of Monday 3/16/20, we are all set to support social distancing AND keep continuity of care through online video sessions from the comfort of your own home!  Please call our office or contact your therapist for further information. 

We are also offering 30 minute virtual sessions for those needing to manage anxiety and depression from the COVID situation itself. Please call our office to set this up! 

Our number is the same: 224-208-5228

Thank you and be well!

LifePoint just added a second location in Libertyville!

We have hired 4 new therapists and offer the same warm, inviting, and fun space for youth counseling at our new 10 office suite at 1870 Winchester Rd, Libertyville, IL.

We still offer In-person and virtual sessions. We also have services for Russian and Kazakh Speakers!

Please call our office to set up your initial assessment!

We're still in Gurnee and our number is the same: 224-208-5228.

Thank you and be well!