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www paparentandfamilyalliance org Socializing While Social Distancing At All Ages As we know health is so much more than just physical health Socializing with loved ones and peers is an essential aspect of a child s development and mental health and COVID 19 is forcing parents to use creativity to arrange social activities for their children Here are some tips and ideas for activities you can have your children partake in while remaining safe Different aged children enjoy different activities which all bring their own set of challenges For all children no matter what age they are keep the communication pathways open and explain to them that any rule you may put into place is for their safety and because you love them Recognize that as your child gets older the more importance they place on being social If your teen wants to be more social than you are comfortable with sit down and have an honest discussion with them Take a deep breathe when frustration arises and give your family and yourself some grace this is not easy to navigate Things to Keep in M ind Outside is bes t Keep gr o u ps small a nd consisten t Socialize with people yo u tru s t Monitor yo ur children s and yo u r o w n t em p er a t u r e and s ym p to m s bef o r e g oing out Listen to y our childre n s feeling s a nd o r f ea r s a bo u t b eing socia l Create a list of Yes Activities so your children know what you re most likely to say yes to Young adults have told us that their parents are with them in the house but not always attentive so try to take 20 mins each day to be 100 attentive to talk with them or do an activity they like Those activities could include Under 5 Hopscotch Jump rope Kick a ball back and forth Socially distanced side walk chalk Socially distanced outside story time 5 8 years Neighborhood socially distanced walk Neighborhood scavenger hunts Get walkie talkies to talk to neighbors 8 12 years Backyard camping trip Book movie club Connect with friends and play games on Marco Polo or Houseparty 13 15 years Hike Picnic on separate blankets Tennis Book movie club Socially distanced outdoor yoga 16 Trip to the beach lake park Distanced watch parties Host their own cooking crafting or science show All ages Riding bikes Writing a letter to a friend or family member Video call friends and family Drive In or backyard movies Flying a kite Letterboxing Geocaching Learn a language and practice speaking it online