Staying at home isn’t easy and that’s why experts from Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) in the UK, have released a selection of fun resources to help families in the UAE successfully deal with isolation.
As we all get to grip with a new normal way of life, that currently includes distance learning (which has the ability to bring many a grown man and woman to tears!) and restricted movement for children between three and 12, one of the UK’s leading children‘s hospitals has outlined some ways to help us all cope better with these new challenges.
Used to bringing a ray of light or two to its patients who are often in isolation at the hospital for long periods of time, GOSH has its very own Play team made up of play specialists and play workers.
And the upbeat guys and girls have shared a heap of fun resources on the GOSH website aimed at taking the challenge out of being stuck inside.
From fun games and activities such as culinary creativity, chilly creations and bottle twirlers to help keep the little ones busy, there are also expert resources and tips to help support children’s mental health and help them make sense of what’s happening.
Head of Therapeutic Play Services at GOSH, Laura Walsh, said: “Play is a fundamental part of childhood and is essential to children’s wellbeing, growth and emotional development. For those in hospital, play helps make sense of what’s happening and helps prepare them for procedures and treatments, as well as making space for some much-needed joy. During these potentially overwhelming times, play can also offer children a sense of normality, act as a safe distraction and can fire up imagination and support communication. We want to help as many families as we can get through this, which is why we are offering free ideas, tips and advice that parents can trust, to help their children deal with the uncertainties of today.”
Time Out UAE Kids whole-heartedly agrees, which is why we have created our own awesome activity packs for kids to download here.
Visit www.gosh.ae/power-play to find games, tips and resources to keep little ones entertained while they are off school and at home.
