Making time for connection
The weather is slowly starting to change, and we are awaiting the first signs of spring – a few robins, daffodils pushing through the soil and early buds on the trees. A sure sign that spring is on the way is the March Break. It can be a time to pause, refresh and reconnect.
In the busyness of life, it can be hard to connect with each other to the extent that we would like. For many families, though you might still be working, March Break provides a different pace that may allow for more opportunities to spend time together. You may not have the stress of rushing out the door, helping with homework or making lunches!
Your strong connection with your child is an important aspect of their social and emotional development. It contributes to positive mental health and well-being and can help them cope with challenges. Finding one-on-one time to connect can be tricky when life is busy, but a little goes a long way. Look for opportunities in a day, an hour or even a few minutes that will allow you to connect, play, laugh, listen and share moments together.
Here are some ideas that parents and caregivers have shared for prioritizing connection through the busyness of family life:
I try and carve out time each day. I try to find a realistic amount of time each day that works for us. Sometimes though, my daughter wants to spend time with me, and I’m tied up and can’t, so I set a time to connect with her later. I think this tells her that although I get busy, our time together is important to me.
I find it helpful to work together. I ask my children how they would like to connect. Together we create a list of how we might spend time together. For example, going for a walk, doing a craft, playing a game, a favourite activity or making a snack together.
I look for the moments in those busy days. Often, I connect with my son by listening to music together on a drive/walk, talking while we do a chore together, giving a high five in the hallway or a midday check-in or message.
Connecting with family and friends is a key factor in supporting mental health and well-being. You can support your children’s well-being by providing space, time and opportunities for them to build meaningful connections.
Research shows that when youth feel connected (to themselves, peers, trusted adults and nature) they are more confident in seeking help and making informed choices that support their well-being. Strong connections also make it easier to talk about challenging topics and decisions your child may be dealing with. We know that youth are navigating increasingly complex choices such as those related to substance use and device use. And connecting feels good for you too!
Introducing Connect Quest as a tool to support connection
School Mental Health Ontario has created Connect Quest, a set of free, ready-to-use, fun, engaging activities you can access as a family to help build connections to support balanced device use and substance use health. As you explore together, you’ll spend time building healthy habits and coping strategies that support well-being. While it was created for students in grades 4-8, the activities can be used within families and for a variety of ages.
Interested in trying out one of the activities at home today? Check out the following:
My Top Two: This activity explores personal “Top 2s,” from favourite things to strengths, interests and more.
Party Playlist: This activity helps explore how music can influence emotions and mood. It also encourages connections with others through sharing and discussion.
We hope this March Break offers your family time together, space to slow down a bit and moments that leave you feeling more connected.