"HeART2homes" - DISPLAYING CHILDREN'S ART TO PROMOTE SOCIAL EMOTIONAL WELL-BEING DURING A CRISIS
During a time when it seems like our normal way of life is strained, and many of us are experiencing feelings of drastic imposition, uncertainty, even fear due to coronavirus COVID-19 rampage…We Wait! America as well as other global communities, wait at home in compliance to quarantine. We wait…hopeful of hearing news reports that the COVID-19 spread rate curve has flatten. So many unanswered questions may come to mind while going through this crisis. Also, being home and unable to ACT, or ‘perform in your norm,’ can create an atmosphere where thoughts not corralled simply go wild. A lot questions such as… “What if this or that happens? What do I need to do now? What if I can’t handle this situation? Will my family, friends and others be safe? What if I get sick?” It’s certainly not difficult to see how much we really are interdependent of each other - especially positioned in a situation unsolicited. Wondering thoughts and concerns just prompt more unanswered questions, as we forgo routines like going to work, school, getting a haircut at the barber or salon - eating at favorite restaurants. It’s a nerve twinging period to say the least, as we anticipate better days ahead.
COVID-19 sudden way impact resonates with having to adjust to creating new norms, finding alternatives - even to the point of exploring new interest, learning new skills. This truth implies that our social emotional status can be impacted differently. Children too who are aware and do have understanding, limited or not of coronavirus horrific strike on world communities…watch and wait! Since children are home-bound from school…seeing their friends, teachers as they are accustomed to - can experience anxiousness, fear and even sadness. It may be very difficult for children to express their feelings or concerns about what’s going on. Some children may ask many questions about the virus. What is it? Will I be safe? How do you get it? It’s OK for parents to talk with their children about the virus…how to be safe, and the importance of hand washing procedures. Of course, reassure them that you and others who care a lot about their safety are doing whatever is needed. Other children may not be as verbally expressive. Contrast to this, some children may show behavior such as being more quiet than usual. Also, other behaviors might occur - display of sudden outburst…crying, even anger, whereas not being able to rationalize what’s happening as a result of the crisis situation.. These children do recognize that change has taken place in their life, and feel unable to stop whatever outcome exist because of the change. Basically, to ‘clean-up’ or get rid of the ‘thing(s)’ causing the disruption. Their ability to count on certain order to take place (predictability) appears hindered. What is familiar to children, like going to school is not the same..
How can we support our children’s creative social emotional well-being while quarantined at home? How do parents help children find a way to demonstrate they too care about others life and safety…”do no harm”? If you are fortunate enough to receive a personalize drawing from a child, it is usually given as a very special gift! It is a heart-warming expression of their interpretation of something meaningful. Often a child’s art expression is one that depicts significant meaning to the artist. Additionally, children’s gifted artwork can have targeted relevance that is specific to the receiver! It becomes a creative symbol of their benevolence - love they chose to bestow upon one individual or display for various recipients to enjoy! It is so important now as we rally support for our first-responders during COVID-19 pandemic, ( we can’t thanked them enough for their courageousness), we increase support needed for our youngsters social emotional well-being. That’s why DeYampert Brand Consulting invite YOU to join with us by participating in “heART2homes”. It is a special ‘art display share’ to encourage social emotional well-being for Prekindergarten through School-age students, quarantined at home during a crisis period. You can participate by doing these (4) four easy steps:
Encourage your child to draw a picture or create a piece of artwork
DISPLAY on Front Door, Window or both
POST -n-SHARE children’s Artwork on Social Media. Share with friends, family and your child’s Teacher!
LET US KNOW… of your child’s art experience by commenting…”participating” on this website. Just go to our Home page contact section…fill out contact information and send a message! THAT’S IT! We really want to hear from you! (LET’S POST THOSE MASTERPIECES & STAY SAFE!)
- Eartha L. DeYampert, Senior Consultant