Fredericksburg Parent

10 Fredericksburg Parent and Family • March 2024 10 Fredericksburg Parent and Family • March 2024 As a parent or caregiver, the time your children are at home with you is truly a golden opportunity. With something as simple as a game of Candy Land, you can help build positive connections and an overall sense of safety that can help a child cope with the unpredictability of the world around them. The Rappahannock Area Community Services Board offers a number of resources to strengthen mental health of individuals of all ages in the Fredericksburg area. Here, Sarah Davis, coordinator of RACSB's King George Clinic, offers six simple habits that can contribute to mental health in children. Davis's tips are a reminder that as parents, even the smallest things we do, like putting dinner on the table in the evening or waking our kids in the morning, can have a lifetime of impact. Helpful Habits for Children's Mental Health WRITTEN BY EMILY FREEHLING MAINTAIN CONSISTENT ROUTINES When children can expect reasonable regularity in the occurrence of daily events like meals, bedtimes, waking up, etc., it contributes to an underlying sense of safety and trust. "Having that routine so that they know what to expect and they can trust the adults to take care of them—it gives them a great sense of comfort and security so that they can then focus on exploring and having fun," Davis said. Davis points out that keeping rou- tines going on weekends can also be an important part of this stability. "Sometimes the world can feel very unsafe and uncertain," Davis said. "If we can create a sense of predictability and consistency at home, chil- dren can get that feeling that, 'I know my parents are here for me and can support me.' It makes it easier for them to cope with the unpredict- ability of the outside world." HAVE SOME FUN So much of daily family life consists of chores, rushing to get out the door, homework and other tasks. Try to find a little time every day to just have fun and laugh with your kids. "Having fun together is so important," Davis said. "It builds memories of a family connection surrounded by joy." Fun doesn't have to require spending money or planning extensively. A simple family movie night or board game, a walk around the block or other outdoor pursuit, playing a sport, or even a simple game of tag or hide and seek (no, you are never too old) can lift everyone's mood. "Children love see- ing their parents be silly," Davis said. "When you're all laughing together, you as a parent become a lot more relatable to your child." 1 2 6 RACSB Presents Sponsored Material

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