SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital - Mt. Vernon issued the following announcement on July 23.
As 2020 has quickly become the year of uncertainty, SSM Health Dean Medical Group child psychologist Dr. Kathleen Hipke says there are a few “silver linings” to be found in these unplanned, socially distanced days.
“The pandemic is requiring all of us, adults and kids, to stay flexible, which is actually a skill that’s excellent to practice,” she says.
While many of us are comforted by having a routine and knowing what to expect, flexibility and being able to adjust to changes is an important life skill. She says that parents can help their kids recognize the importance of flexibility and strengthen this skill by pointing out where they have been flexible with plans and it’s something they should be proud of.
In addition to celebrating our flexibility, Dr. Hipke hopes families can take some time to also celebrate their creativity and resiliency. Families at all ages and stages have experienced a sense of loss and disappointment as plans have been canceled. There is even an understandable feeling of grief for graduating high school seniors who missed many anticipated milestones like prom and graduation parties. She says it’s been heartwarming to watch families get creative in these moments to still celebrate the happy moments in new ways.
“Celebrating resiliency doesn’t mean it’s been smooth or easy or that it’s been without grief or disappointment,” she says. “But, to get to these points and be able to say ‘Wow, we did that,’ or ‘You did that,’ is definitely something to celebrate.”
A big difficulty for some families is the cancellation of sports, activities, summer camps and more. Dr. Hipke says that as we’ve collectively struggled in the past over the pressures of over-scheduling our kids, an unscheduled summer has turned into a great opportunity for families to be present and overcome boredom together.
“What we’re seeing is families pulling out board games and they’re going outside more to walk on nature trails and looking for things to enjoy together,” she says. “I think it’s been a really good opportunity for many families to decompress, feel a little uncomfortable with the boredom, and then to get creative.
“And that’s a wonderful thing.”
Original source can be found here.
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