During this unprecedented season when families are required to stay home and maintain social distancing, we want to be an encouraging and sustaining resource that will equip you with practical insights and tools to help you take hold of the opportunities for a productive and fruitful family time.

Parents everywhere are discovering more of the blessings and joy that this extended time at home is providing.  Here are last weeks tips in case you missed it: 4/4 Tips & Ideas

Our mission with OneFamily is to equip, encourage and sustain couples in their marriage and parenting journey.

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This week we want to pass along more ideas and encouragement for your older kids – Tweens & Teens.  These kids are more aware of the headlines, they are experiencing loss, they are as dis-regulated as younger kids, and they may be worrying a lot more than parents realize.  Underneath the surface, they are experiencing a lot of emotions and it could have them (and Mom and Dad!) on a roller coaster ride of being fine one day or one minute and falling apart the next.  The key is to be aware and discuss the highs and the lows to validate our emerging young adults.

Here is what some parents we’ve talked to have said:

  • Some parents are saying their middle school and high school age kids, especially high school seniors, are experiencing deep losses and disappointments. Canceled graduation, related events/parties, all the celebrations like proms, competitions, performances and sport seasons can be a hidden cause to emotional outbursts.
  • For a few parents, the break from being at school is helping their older kids to be more focused and less stressed from the social pressures of school.
  • Most parents we’ve talked to, have said it’s been emotionally messy at times trying to balance school, work, all the 24/7 togetherness, healthy routines and self-care. However, they also report that family time has been fun and life-giving; they are realizing what a gift this time with everyone under one roof truly is!

 Quick Tips & Family Enrichment

  • Family Circle Time: From Jeffco Schools, this PDF from our resource page has a lot of great ideas for meaning communication.
  • Look for the Private World opportunities: This could happen before bed, during a card game or working on puzzle.  As we mention in Private World Moments, the key is to listen and not fix!
  • Practice Mindfulness and Being in Touch with Emotions as a Family: Focused concentration, better sleep and a brighter outlook are just some of the benefits of being present and mindful.  This resource has some good ideas: https://www.smilingmind.com.au/mindfulness
  • Online Workshops & Classes – Add to your parenting toolbox and find encouragement during this unusual time! Online Zoom Workshops & Classes for parents available at:
Next weekend’s workshop – Encouraging Moms and Intentional Dads:
Saturday 4/18 – 3:00 to 4:15pm – http://evite.me/Ar4QCTCERD
or
Sunday 4/19 – 4:00 to 5:15pm – http://evite.me/WdCQYyCkSE
Next Class – Parenting from The Tree of Life – Special condensed course
Sunday & Wednesdays, April 19 – May 3 7:00-8:15pm
http://evite.me/uJVAkdk7w4
Please continue to send us your success stories, tips, ideas and best practices so we can share them with other families!  We’ve received some great ideas and look forward to passing them along to you each week!

Blessings to your family!

Shelly and Rich