Americans around the country are worried about the ramifications of the coronavirus (COVID-19). Thousands of parents also are dealing with having their children at home 24-hours a day.
“Even for parents who love hanging with their kids, you can only take so much family time before you start to get stressed,” says Craig A. Knippenberg, a licensed social worker who has provided child and family counseling services in Metro Denver for more than 35 years.
He usually recommends that parents try to be 80 percent consistent with their parenting strategies. In the current circumstances, however, he advises to let some things go.
Here are a few recommendations:
Maintain structure. Explain the schedule for the day to your children. They need (reinforced, consistent) structure. For example, let them know the periods for homework, chores, free time, dinner/family time, and bed. Post the plan where they can see it.
Make time for yourself. Let your children know that there will be periods that are “your time.” Your children should not bother you and find ways to entertain themselves. Use these intervals to maintain your mental health by connecting with others, meditating, journaling, exercising, or resting. Knippenberg recommends letting children know that disturbing you will result in a loss of privileges.
Encourage time for free play. While social distancing is essential, getting outside in the fresh air is encouraged. Sunshine has a positive impact on energy, mood, and overall health. Typically, children will say they don’t have anything to do, but they almost always find something to do or explore once they are outdoors.
Limit screen time. Avoid allowing your children to binge-watch television. Although you can be a little more lenient than usual, limit viewing and gaming to one-hour blocks.
Get out the games. Dust off the old board games like Monopoly, Life, and Clue. Reverting to simpler times often is a stress reliever.
Be adventurous and creative. Involve your children in brainstorming new ideas and games. The minds of children show few boundaries. Develop an indoor treasure hunt or carnival games made from items from the home.
Provide emotional outlets for your children. Establish quality time for talking as a family about the situation and the news your children are hearing. Don’t overexposure your children to the news outlets. Address their anxieties and feelings regarding missed opportunities due to being homebound.
Stay in touch with your support community. Schedule times for phone or social media contact. Check in with your friends and relatives. Encourage grandparents to video chat and keep connected.
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Source: What To Do With Kids At Home On Coronavirus Break For Who Knows How Long (Without Losing It), Jenny Brundin, 3/17/20, CPR News.
When you’re here enjoying your vacation, it can be overwhelming to try and fit in all the fun activities and attractions North Myrtle Beach has to offer. Fortunately, there are a ton of options for events and festivals that, by nature, are meant to be dropped in and out of at your leisure. In addition to not worrying about arriving on time (many of our recommendations are all-day events), its always nice to take a step down from arenas and major venues and enjoy local vendors, live areal music, and traditional, savory Southern food.
Here are the Fall festivals that should be on your to-do list while staying with Thomas Beach Vacations:
Irish Italian International Festival
https://parks.nmb.us/festivalsevents/festivals/irish-italian-international-festival/
This late September festival brings the best cultural music and food celebrating all things Irish/ Italian! For 16 years, the City of North Myrtle Beach has hosted this festival, attracting about 15,000 people.
There’s music, dancing, inflatables and entertainment for kids, vendors/merchants, and a spaghetti eating competition. There’s no excuse for missing this one since admission and parking are free.
Music on Main Concert Series
https://parks.nmb.us/festivalsevents/concerts/music-on-main-concert-series/
Every Thursday in September, from 7 to 9 p.m., the Horse Shoe on North Myrtle Beach’s Main Street, offers free concerts by a wide range of legendary bands. Spend time with the locals–dancing, shopping at boutiques, and enjoying diverse Southern cuisine.
Shag Festival
http://shagdance.com/migration.htm
The Shag is the official dance of South Carolina, which is why North Myrtle Beach hosts a 10-day festival in honor of the swinging past time! Each day comes with a different itinerary to celebrate the famous Shag; the SOS Fall Migration is more than a week chock full of dancing, fun, food and more.
La Belle Amie Vineyard
One of the most unique and often underrated activities to enjoy on a vacation is a visit to a vineyard. A perfect idea for the Fall season, as the weather cools, is strolling among La Belle Amie Vineyard.
Besides wine tastings and live music five days a week, the vineyard offers Saturday events every weekend through the Fall, each with all things active and cheerful: outdoor cooking, gift shopping, friendly faces, music, wine, and dancing.
Different themes this Fall for the Saturday events include Oldies Day, Blues & Jazz Fest, Aloha to Autumn, Halloween Bonfire, and Island Fever. These folks really know how to throw a shindig and keep it fresh for returning visitors; its a promising new experience every time! For schedule details, visit https://labelleamie.com/festival-schedule-2019/.
Duplin Winery
Another one of our favorite places to relax and have some wine: the Duplin Winery!
Voted Best Wine Tasting Bar in Myrtle Beach, the Duplin Winery is one of the oldest and largest in the South. Six days a week, from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m., you can drop in and experience both amusement and learning as you taste various wines, and view the wine bottling process.
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