2020 has been a challenging year for many due primarily to the COVID-19 pandemic. We have all been affected by it in one way or another. We can go on for days about the negative impact the pandemic has had on individuals and our community, which is true, but it’s also important to have gratitude for the positive outcomes that have resulted. Sometimes, looking for the silver lining in negative circumstances can help to reduce anxiety and stress.
In the month of November, gratitude is a common theme that comes up, and it allows us to reflect and to give thanks for the positives in our lives. Examples of positive aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic may include:
- Increased sense of community—people are coming together in communities.
- Positive environmental effects — pollution has decreased.
- Positive relational affects — many people feel more connected or are having deeper relationships with family, friends, & coworkers.
- Families have been able to spend more quality time together.
- New technological innovations have occurred.
- Street crimes have decreased.
This is a great opportunity to open up a conversation and model looking at a positive silver lining with your Little. Below are some fun activity ideas that you and your Little can do together which may help your Little learn about the importance of thankfulness, mindfulness, and how to better cope with stressors in their lives.
- Identify The Positives – Help your Little identify what they have to be grateful for in life.
- Create A Gratitude Journal – Gratitude journals are great ways to encourage children and teens to identify and express appreciation in a creative way.
- Play A Game of Gratitude Charades – It can be played just like regular charades, but with a twist. Instead of having everyone write down answers to a category, have them think of different ideas related to gratitude.
- Perform Random Acts of Kindness – No matter what our situation in life, we can find happiness through practicing kindness to others. Check out this list of 50 simple acts of kindness ideas!
- Create A Gratitude Jar – Creating a gratitude jar is a simple, yet effective activity on gratitude. It encourages youth of all ages to take the time to really think about what they are grateful for.
Article by Shanice Gooden, Program Quality/Data Integrity Specialist at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay
