Parents love to see the delight their children experience with magical figures such as Santa, the Easter Bunny and the Tooth Fairy. It’s a wonderful part of childhood for children and adults who choose to participate. Some worry that when their children find out the truth, they will be extremely disappointed, or will feel that their parents lied to them.
It will shock no one to learn that screen time skyrocketed during the pandemic. According to a Western University study, on average, children had nearly six hours of screen time per day. This is nearly three times the amount recommended by the Canadian Pediatric Society.
The removal of the mask mandate has brought joy to some, and apprehension to others.
Although not having to deal with the hassle of a mask everywhere you go is convenient, it was easier to explain the concept to children when the government required us to wear them.
Maintaining social connections is one of the most important things you can do to support your overall health and well-being. Social connections are especially important for our parents, grandparents and other older adults because the impacts of chronic isolation and loneliness tend to be more serious in older adults.
Research shows that these impacts include depression, cognitive decline, coronary heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, a decreased quality of life and an increased risk of premature death. Around 30 percent of Canadian seniors were already at risk of becoming socially isolated before the COVID-19 pandemic and there’s no denying that the pandemic has made social connections even more challenging.
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