Creating Together Blog

Online & Remote Programming

January 14, 2021 by Melanie

Online and remote programming is a lifeline for families right now. Trust us when we say – we understand how difficult isolation can be.

People placed in quarantine or self-isolation may experience a wide range of feelings, including fear, anger, sadness, irritability, guilt or confusion. They may find it hard to sleep. Some people might feel relieved. Humans are social creatures and need connection to others to thrive, which can make isolation challenging.
https://www.camh.ca/en/health-info/mental-health-and-covid-19/quarantine-and-isolation

The following suggestions may help you through this challenging time – we want to emphasize to all of our families that we are here to continue offering support to families while they stay home.

Online Support

Please see our virtual programming in the poster below, and craft a routine that can support your rhythm, wherever you are at.

Tips:

For Zoom on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, all you have to do is open (click) on the zoom link, and follow the instructions that Zoom provides for downloading the app onto your device. Here’s the link to join us: zoom.us/j/7391226799
For Facebook circle time on Tuesdays and Thursdays, just sign onto our Facebook page here and watch the session live with us! Here’s the link to join us on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/CreatingTogetherParkdale
We do highly recommend you try and come to the live programs, as it can be a more interactive experience both for you as well as you child. At the same time, if you can’t make it to the program then do take a look at the recordings posted on our Facebook page, to have it benefit you at the pace you can manage.

Remote Support

Creating Together now offers remote support through some curb-side pick-up options, with delivery available on request:

food packages,
craft and activity supplies to supplement our online programming,
printed resources.

Telephone Support

We are also ready to talk, so please don’t hesitate to reach out at: (416) 537-1004 if you need access to resources, advice, and support.

5 Healthy Habits for Families

January 7, 2021 by Melanie

Happy New Year!

A fresh new year can give us all perspective on what might need shifting, and some fresh wind in your sails to set up healthy habits. There’s no time like the present!

Tip: To make the most of your efforts, choose new habits that are doable, and take it slow – too much change at once makes it harder to achieve your goals. Enjoy these 5 tips and strategies to get into some healthy habits for you and your family.

1. If you could pick a superpower…

With all this time on our hands, have each family member pick one superpower they’d like to develop by the end of 2021, and support each other to make it happen. Set up challenges, learning goals and check-ins, and take advantage of the plethora of online courseware DIY/ instruction videos.

2. Cutting back on screen time (and not just the kids!)

Most cell phones now have a screen-time tracker, so you can track and limit the amount of time you spend on your screen. Set up some healthy goals, such as no screens after a certain time, no devices by ones bedside, scheduled breaks of fresh air or exercise. Consider replacing screen time with fun family activities such as board games, art projects, or reading time.

3. Exercise together

Get everyone moving to a family exercise plan, with online classes and family hikes. Take a look at these links for nearby hiking trains and bike trails to help you keep active together.

4. Celebrate good food

Sometimes life demands a quick meal, but try to prepare some healthy snacks each week so it’s easier to reach for than the chips, soda, or fast food. Cooking together, experimenting with new foods and recipes, and exploring family traditions are what great family memories are made of!

5. Start a Gratitude jar

Every day we face challenges, and gratitude is key:

In positive psychology research, gratitude is strongly and consistently associated with greater happiness. Gratitude helps people feel more positive emotions, relish good experiences, improve their health, deal with adversity, and build strong relationships.
https://www.health.harvard.edu/healthbeat/giving-thanks-can-make-you-happier

Starting a Gratitude Jar can be a great family habit. Decorate a jar, and each day or once a week, give the gift of happiness to your family by encouraging them to talk about and/or write down something they’re grateful for.

Glitterbug for Circle Time

December 30, 2020 by Melanie

We hope you are enjoying the winter holidays with one another. We are looking forward to beginning a fresh year with you all, and are excited to get things rolling with our special guest for circle time on the first Wednesday of each month – Glitterbug from the 519!

Click on the poster at 10am on each of the dates listed below, to link directly to our Zoom channel!

https://www.the519.org/programs/early-on-child-and-family-centre

Links for 519 EarlyON’s Website, Facebook Group, YouTube Channel, and Mailing List.

See you there!

Early ON Resources for Families and Caregivers

December 17, 2020 by Melanie

During this time when physically distancing from others is important, having a plan and activities ready for your child may help to make your day go a little easier.
Early ON Resources for Parents and Caregivers

This is why Early ON and the City of Toronto compiled an extensive resource for families and caregivers to foster child development while social distancing. Whether it’s physical play or quiet play, this guide is filled with helpful resources for babies, toddlers, preschoolers, and kindergarteners. Click the download button for the full document.

EarlyON-Printable-Resource-0-6-years-Activities Download

The resource also has tips for how to speak to your children about Coronavirus, some useful telephone numbers and support links, and a plethora of helpful resources.

In addition, Toronto Children’s Services has completed an incredible COVID-19 Resource List for Families. Click the download button for the full document.

COVID-19-Resource-List-for-Families-Dec-04-2020_sa Download

We hope you’ll find these resources helpful!

References

https://playandlearn.healthhq.ca
https://www.facebook.com/ladysmithwaterfrontgallery/
https://busytoddler.com/2020/03/pom-pom-tube-ramp/
https://hes-extraordinary.com/improve-emotional-regulation-just-7-minutes-perday?fbclid=IwAR08xB9WpvGwZc0MlS-5ww-HAKeLyw66wxjsOa97y6TiM9M88yUkjB_oZdo
https://www.unicef.org/coronavirus/how-talk-your-child-about-coronavirus-covid-19

Creative Ways to Celebrate the Season

December 9, 2020 by Melanie

Torontonian favorites, such as Nuit Blanche, Calvaclade of Lights, and ice-skating at Ontario Place or Nathan Philips Square, have been cancelled due to the Toronto-wide lock-down, and families are looking for creative ways to celebrate the season.

Rethinking Traditions

Certainly, re-thinking your family traditions does not mean you will be without those sacred traditions this year – however you may need to think a bit differently about them. We all do. In fact, continuity of traditions are so important for children (and adults!). At the same time, those age-old traditions may just need to be approached from a different angle.

For example, if you normally see family, perhaps you could arrange a get-together on Zoom. If you normally go to the theatre, consider the drive-in. If you go carolling, watch some carollers online and sing from home.

How can you continue your family traditions with a slightly different spin?

Some Suggestions

We’ve pulled together a few ideas to help you out this year – and don’t forget, we are always here to offer programming online for you all until our own holidays begin!

At any rate, we do hope you enjoy the season and consider the challenges we all face an opportunity to continue embodying the values of gratitude, generosity, compassion, and love with your friends and families.