Getting Back in The Groove... Maintaining Healthy Families as We Open Our Communities

As states gradually lift quarantine measures, it's time for families to come together for a much-needed "post-operation review." This discussion presents an opportunity to reflect on the challenges faced during quarantine and to plan for a healthier, more connected future. Here's a guide to conducting a family meeting that covers key aspects of physical, social, emotional, financial, and spiritual well-being.

1. Reflecting on the Lessons of Quarantine

- List of Principles: Encourage family members to identify principles that stood out during the quarantine. For example, if someone mentions the importance of relying on each other, extract principles such as trust, dependability, and safety.

- Community Opening: Discuss individual feelings about the community reopening. Share concerns, excitement, and insecurities regarding the transition back to normalcy.

- Looking Forward: Address potential challenges and collectively decide what to be mindful of in the coming days.

2. Continuing Healthy Family Practices

- List the Blessings: Recognize and list the positive aspects and activities that emerged during quarantine. These could include quality family time, new activities, shared meals, games, family drives, and hikes.

- Must Do’s: Create a list of essential activities to continue, such as maintaining family bonds, practicing new hobbies, and setting clear rules for social distancing.

- Family Rules: Establish and clarify family rules regarding social distancing, handwashing, and mask usage. Clear guidelines simplify decision-making.

3. Eliminating Unhealthy Habits:

- Identify Negative Effects: Discuss negative impacts of quarantine and brainstorm ways to eliminate unhealthy habits that may have emerged.

- Trim the Fat: Identify and address bad habits, such as irregular sleep patterns, excessive screen time, or unhealthy eating habits.

- Must Do’s: Reinstate healthy routines like regular sleep patterns, daily chores, exercise, and responsible use of technology.

4. Initiating Positive Changes:

- New Ideas: Encourage family members to suggest new ideas and rules aligned with current government guidelines. Consider reintroducing traditional schedules and expectations.

- Listen to Children: Pay attention to what children bring up during discussions. Their input is crucial for them to feel secure and involved in shaping the family's future.

- Revisit Pre-Quarantine Practices: Evaluate which pre-quarantine practices were beneficial and how they can be reintegrated into the current routine.

- Community Connection: Discuss strategies to reconnect with the community, especially with seniors and in public gatherings. Establish criteria for determining safe activities.

- Learning from Others: Explore ideas from other families that could be implemented within your own.

5. Starting New Family Traditions:

- Family Quarantine Times: Consider setting aside specific "Family Quarantine" times to strengthen family bonds and create a sense of togetherness.

Conducting a family meeting using these guidelines will not only help in addressing the challenges of the past but also in building a resilient and connected family for the future. It's time to get back in the groove and create a healthier, happier family life as we open up our communities.