special feature
• Teach body awareness by
playing a game like Simon
Says. “Simon says balance on
your left leg.” “Simon says
raise your right arm slowly.”
“Simon says walk gently like
you’re stepping on eggshells
and trying not to break them.”
• Take a mindful walk. Pay close
attention to the scurrying
squirrels, the babbling brook,
or the scent of freshly cut
grass. Ask your kids to notice
and point out these things as
you walk.
• Keep a journal. Your kids could
write down something they
learned or something they’re
grateful for. They could
journal about their thoughts
or just doodle in the book to
relieve stress. Journaling is a
great way to gain insight into
one’s own thought processes
and express feelings.
I hope that these mindfulness
practices will help ease the anxi-
ety and fear your family may be
feeling during this time. Above
all, reassure one another that to-
gether, we will get through this.•
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