Refresh
Parent resources
As a parent of a one and three year old, the extended lockdown has certainly provided many challenges, but also many opportunities for me and my family.
Challenges
- I have found entertaining my boys to be difficult during lockdown, and they are entertained by balloons and toy train tracks, so I can’t even begin to imagine the challenges that entertaining a teenager would pose during this time.
- Dealing with the tantrums and outbursts, which I am sure are a result of lack of social connection has been difficult and again, I am sure these tantrums and outbursts come in many different forms, the older a young person gets.
Opportunities
- It has been so nice to spend more time with my family, not just during the day because I am working from home, but also in the afternoons and evenings with no additional commitments. I think I will look back and miss this time (weirdly enough).
- During this lockdown I have had so much time at home with my family that I have learnt about how we interact within our family environment.
I have also started listening to a number of podcasts about parenting on my daily walks/runs. I have learnt a lot from these three podcasts and will continue to use them as a resource for ways to manage and overcome the many challenges of parenting.
“The podcast for the time poor parent who just wants answers now.”
2. Maggie Dent – Parental as Anything
“Maggie talks to parenting experts from around the world to find practical solutions to the challenges every parent is facing today.”
3. Heidi Rogers – The Snap Lockdown Video Series
“A series of ‘aha’ moments, packaged in bite-sized, 5-minute videos for time-strapped moms, dads and educators.”
Holiday ideas
As we slowly begin the crawl out of lockdown, I hope everyone is able to enjoy the slight easing of restrictions during the school holidays.
Without the structure of school, young people can be left not knowing what to do with their time. Below are links to a number of activities and resources that you and your children can use to keep busy during the holidays.
Our ‘Refresh’ days were structured around students completing activities from four general themes to enhance wellbeing.
- Move
- Connect
- Create
- Self-care
- WAYS Vacation Care Spring Schedule
- Resilient Youth Australia – Lockdown Resources
- Rebecca Sparrow – Home Learning Ideas
- Raising Children – Tips and Links for Families in Lockdown
- Refresh Days Activities