During this challenging time, the Thrive team has decided to compile useful resources, tips and activities into a weekly newsletter for Thrive families. Most of these tips and activities are geared to children ages 4—12. We hope this brings you a simple and

enjoyable way to stay connected to your family.

Thriving Families

March 1, 2021 Volume 1, Issue 48

5 Dinner Time Prompts

Try these conversation starters at dinner time and see where the conversation takes you!

What makes you feel like dancing? If you could rename fruits, what would you call them? Would you rather have jiggly legs for a day or the biggest arm muscles

for a week? If you were a book, what would your title be? If you could have anything in the world, what would you want?

Tips to Help Kids Cope with Change:

Many school schedules and routines will be changing next

week. For many children, major changes can be difficult and

overwhelming. Here are some tips for helping children to deal

with change:

Give advanced warning. Let them know in advance when something is changing. Have a conversation about it and let them feel a part of it. Have them make choices when possible.

Keep as much the same as possible. During a big change, like adding a sibling to the family, try to keep as much the same as possible. For example, this is not the best time to also move your child from a crib to big bed.

Answer all their questions. Your child may have a lot of questions. Do you best to answer them, even the ones they’ve asked repeatedly.

Expect that some regression may happen. At times of change, children may regress to earlier behaviors. For example, a child who was toilet trained may revert back to having accidents. This is normal—try to be patient.

Be accepting of grieving. Your child may go through a

process that looks a lot like grieving while processing the

recent change. Validate their feelings, help them practice

coping skills, and remind them of the positives.

Books to Read when Change is

Overwhelming

No Matter What by Debi Gilori

The Koala Who Could by Rachel Bright

The Invisible String by Patrice Karst

The Complete Book of First Experiences by Anne Civardi

The Worrysaurus by Rachel Bright

References: Helping children deal with change and stress. (n.d.). Retrieved February 25, 2021, from https://www.brighthorizons.com/family-resources/helping-children-deal-with-change-and-stress Baked "deep fried" oreo recipe. (2020, November 14). Retrieved February 26, 2021, from https://www.somethingswanky.com/baked-deep-fried-oreos/ Alexander, L. (2021, February 01). 250 questions for Kids (get to know them better). Retrieved February 26, 2021, from https://momlovesbest.com/questions-for-kids WORLD compliment day - March 1, 2021. (2021, February 24). Retrieved February 26, 2021, from https://nationaltoday.com/world-compliment-day/#:~:text=WORLD%20COMPLIMENT%20DAY%20%2D%20March%201%2C%202021

March 5 – 6, 2021 – National Day of Unplugging

The National Day of Unplugging is a campaign to go screen free for 24 hours. Can you put down the phone and turn off the TV? If you’re up for

the challenge, we bet you will feel like you just had a mini vacay! Here’s some ideas of what to do without the electronics!

1. Go on a scavenger hunt! Check this link to find a Little Free Library hunt that will be taking place in Annapolis: https://

www.nationaldayofunplugging.com/unplugged-blog/on-the-hunt-for-fun

2. Have a slumber party (did somebody say nail polish and facemasks?!) or a camping trip (hello pop up tent, s’mores, and stories) in your

living room.

3. Go for a hike. Then come home and make a new, delicious meal from scratch.

4. Read a book as a family, this is a great time to start a chapter book series, such as Harry Potter.

5. Have a board game marathon. Short on board games or tired of the same old games? Create your own then play!

March 1st 2021—World Compliment Day

National Compliment Day started in the Netherlands by Hans Poortvliet. After many successful celebrations, Poortvliet decided to turn the holiday into a word-wide holiday in 2001. World Compliment Day is a day to radiate positivity and appreciation throughout your community. Celebrate the day by spreading thoughtful compliments to friends, family, and anyone you might see that day! You can also spread positivity through social media! Post #WorldComplimentDay to inspire others!

March 2nd 2021—Dr. Suess’s Birthday!

Happy birthday Dr. Seuss! Dr. Seuss successfully published his first children’s book in 1937 after many rejections from publishers. Now he is known for writing and illustrating over 60 children’s books! Do you have a favorite Dr. Seuss book? Celebrate his birthday with reading your favorite book! Continue the celebration by visiting https://www.seussville.com/ to play games, make crafts and learn more about Dr. Seuss!

March 6th – Oreo Cookie Day

What better activity on Oreo Cookie Day then making deep fried Oreos?! Ingredients 1 can Pillsbury crescent rolls 8 Oreo cookies

1/2 cup milk (any kind) 1/4 cup powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375ºF.

2. Slice the cylinder of crescent roll dough into 16 pieces (see photo in post). "Smush" each piece

into a circle slightly bigger than an Oreo.

3. Dunk an Oreo in the milk (very quickly-- you don't want it to be soggy!) and place on a

crescent roll circle. Press another circle of dough on top of it, and pinch the layers together to

seal the Oreo inside.

4. Repeat with each Oreo. Place Oreos on a lined baking sheet, and bake for 10-12 minutes until

golden brown.

5. Remove from oven and immediately dust with powdered sugar and serve!