Weeksville Heritage Center’s Post

𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐢𝐩: 𝐒𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐔𝐩 𝐒𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐧-𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐙𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝐇𝐨𝐦𝐞 Creating screen-free zones in your home can be a game-changer for family time and creativity. Imagine the dining room as a space for meaningful conversations, or a cozy reading nook in the living room that inspires imagination and learning. Here’s how to get started: 𝟏. 𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜 𝐀𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐬: Choose spots like the dining table and bedrooms to be completely screen-free. 𝟐. 𝐒𝐞𝐭 𝐂𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐑𝐮𝐥𝐞𝐬: Make sure everyone knows the boundaries and respects them. 𝟑. 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐄𝐱𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞: Show your kids that you're also committed to unplugging. 𝟒. 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐀𝐥𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬: Stock up on books, games, and craft supplies to keep everyone entertained. By setting up these zones, you’re not just reducing screen time—you’re creating precious moments and fostering healthier habits. Let’s reclaim our spaces and connect more deeply with our loved ones. #parentingtips #screenfreezones #familytime #healthyhabits

1. Host a Picnic: Enjoy a classic outdoor picnic with delicious food, drinks, and festive decorations. Don't forget to pack some comfy chairs for the seniors! 2. Share Stories: Gather around and listen to the seniors recount their favorite 4th of July memories. These stories are treasures that add depth to the celebration. 3. Watch Fireworks: Find a comfortable spot to watch the fireworks. If mobility is an issue, consider setting up a viewing area at home or watching a televised display. 4. Play Patriotic Music: Create a playlist of beloved patriotic songs and tunes from their youth. Sing along and maybe even dance a little! 5. Decorate Together: Spend some time crafting DIY decorations like flags, banners, and centerpieces. It's a fun, creative activity that everyone can enjoy. 6. Cook Traditional Dishes: Involve them in preparing traditional Independence Day foods like burgers, hot dogs, and apple pie. Cooking together is both fun and rewarding. 7. Take a Leisurely Walk: If they are able, take a gentle stroll around the neighborhood or a nearby park to enjoy the fresh air and festive atmosphere. 8. Play Games: Engage in simple, enjoyable games that everyone can participate in. Think board games, card games, or even a patriotic trivia quiz. 9. Watch a Classic Movie: Select a classic movie or a documentary about Independence Day to watch together. It's a great way to relax and learn something new. 10. Express Gratitude: Take a moment to express your appreciation for their wisdom and contributions. Small gestures of love and gratitude mean the world to them.

"Rain, Ice, snow, or sunshine - activities are always here. " 👋 Meet Destany and her Activities Team and learn how they Innovate, Inspire, and Involve at Autumn Lake Healthcare at Braddock Heights: "Coming into an older building, being the youngest department head was a challenge when implementing the culture of change. Since last year we have embraced the use of iPads, Roku Televisions, science projects that also double as sensory activities, and even adapting crafts to benefit both high-functioning and memory care residents. We start our days by chatting with the short-term rehab folks, giving them pep talks, and reminding them how close they are to the finish line. We encourage our long-term folks to come out and join the party, chat amongst peers, challenge each other in games, and most importantly we take time to show them that they matter and that we are family here. We don't just keep our groups involved we also go from room to room as needed for folks who just prefer to be alone. We strive to ensure every resident's psychosocial need is met whether it's just conversing during nails, a game of cards, music from the golden years, a listening ear, or just a friend in hard times. Rain, Ice, snow, or sunshine - activities are always here." #NAPWeek #Activities #Professionals #Healthcare #Innovate #Inspire #Involve

There’s a reason every sitcom you’ve ever watched has had this ONE thing… We all want to feel connected to a community. But how often do we stop and actually think about the mechanics of how a community comes together? It’s one thing to know that we want something, but like with anything else in life, it doesn’t become an achievable goal until we develop a tangible plan to get there. So how do we get there? The first and perhaps biggest step has to do with WHERE we connect with people. Have you noticed that in every sitcom you’ve ever seen, there is a go-to spot where all the characters like to meet? ▪️ In Friends, they had the Central Perk coffee shop. ▪️ In Seinfeld, they had the corner restaurant. ▪️ In How I Met Your Mother, they had the downstairs pub. ▪️ Cheers was even named after the bar where they all meet. There is something important about having a place you visit regularly outside of home and work. We like to call it a “third place”. This third place is a critical component of building community. And it’s a critical component of fostering the type of life most of us want to experience. Think about it.  Where’s your “third place?”  Got a spot where you kick back, meet pals, feel like part of something bigger? If not, why not create one?  Could be simple.  A coffee joint, a park, a local bar, a run club, a gym.  Make it where you build your community.

It's the hottest day of the year so far in Milton, and keeping kids cool and entertained can feel like an impossible task! For young families looking to upsize their homes, it's not just about space – it's about creating those special moments. 🌟 Here are 7 fun and affordable activities to beat the heat with your kids: 1. Backyard Water Play: Set up a sprinkler or a small kiddie pool. Kids love splashing around, and it's a great way to cool off. 2. DIY Ice Treats: Make your own popsicles with fruit juice and let the kids pick their flavors. It's healthy and refreshing! 3. Indoor Obstacle Course: Use pillows, furniture, and toys to create a fun course. It keeps them active and out of the sun. 4. Family Movie Time: Pick a cool spot, get some snacks, and watch a family favorite movie. It’s relaxing and keeps everyone chill. 5. Arts and Crafts: Set up an indoor craft station. Get creative with some summer-themed projects like making paper fans. 6. Visit Local Pools: Milton has some great community pools. Check the schedules and make a splash! 7. Nature Walks: Early morning or evening walks in shaded areas can be refreshing. Plus, it's an educational experience too. Remember, a home that suits your lifestyle makes these moments even better. If you're thinking about upsizing, we're here to help you find the perfect space for your growing family. What are your go-to activities to beat the heat with kids? Share in the comments! 📢 #FamilyLiving #RealEstate #Parenting #MiltonOntario #BeatTheHeat

We have finally had some summer weather and this week is National Picnic Week. So it's nice to get outdoors for some fun and enjoy a lovely picnic. But if you have not taken your child out on a picnic before and they have sensory integration challenges. we have shared some ideas to ensure a positive and enjoyable experience. Talk about the picnic and show some pictures or a simple visual schedule to explain what will happen. 😀Find a quiet and calm spot, not too crowded to avoid overwhelming noise and activity. 🌻Try and select a location the child is already familiar with to reduce anxiety. 🐞Ensure the location has easy access and is safe for children to move around comfortably. 😋Consider your child's sensory needs and pack familiar food and bring utensil's your child is comfortable using. After the picnic, talk to the child about their experience. Discuss what they enjoyed. And of course make plans for the next one! #NationalPicnicWeek #SensoryIntegration #SensoryChallenges #AutismParent #SpecialNeedsParenting #OutdoorFun #SensoryFriendly #PicnicIdeas

We have finally had some summer weather and this week is National Picnic Week. So it's nice to get outdoors for some fun and enjoy a lovely picnic. But if you have not taken your child out on a picnic before and they have sensory integration challenges. we have shared some ideas to ensure a positive and enjoyable experience. Talk about the picnic and show some pictures or a simple visual schedule to explain what will happen. 😀Find a quiet and calm spot, not too crowded to avoid overwhelming noise and activity. 🌻Try and select a location the child is already familiar with to reduce anxiety. 🐞Ensure the location has easy access and is safe for children to move around comfortably. 😋Consider your child's sensory needs and pack familiar food and bring utensil's your child is comfortable using. After the picnic, talk to the child about their experience. Discuss what they enjoyed. And of course make plans for the next one! #NationalPicnicWeek #SensoryIntegration #SensoryChallenges #AutismParent #SpecialNeedsParenting #OutdoorFun #SensoryFriendly #PicnicIdeas

The Power of Consistency: Every Wednesday at 6 PM Every Wednesday at 6:00 PM sharp, a small miracle happens here in downtown Sarasota. A group of individuals from all walks of life - doctors, teachers, students, retirees, you name it - lace up their shoes and head out for a 5K run. 🏃♂️ 🏃♀️ What's the significance, you ask? Consistency. As James Clear highlights in his fantastic book Atomic Habits, it's the small, repeated actions that lead to remarkable results. This weekly ritual has become more than just a run. It's a testament to the power of showing up, day in and day out. It's about pushing ourselves a little further each week, but more importantly, it's about the camaraderie and support we share as a running community. The beauty of this group, as captured in the photo, is its incredible diversity. We come from different backgrounds, have varying fitness levels, and professions. But every Wednesday, we unite around a shared goal: to move our bodies, challenge ourselves, and celebrate each other's achievements. So, if you're looking for a dose of inspiration or a way to jumpstart your own fitness journey, consider joining us for our next Wednesday evening run! You might just surprise yourself at what you can achieve with a little consistency. #AtomicHabits #RunningCommunity #ConsistencyIsKey #FloridaLife

Do you want to stay socially connected?   The following are some simple strategies that may help you improve socialization and social connectedness:   ➕ Attend local sporting events, music performances, or art and museum exhibits. ➕ Create or join a community garden club. ➕ Create or join a lunchtime walking, yoga, or tai chi club. ➕ Engage in conventional group exercises such as softball, volleyball, basketball, pickleball, paddle tennis, or tennis. ➕ Engage in mind-body exercises such as yoga, tai chi, or Pilates. ➕ Engage in work-related community activities and fitness programs. ➕ Engage in small conversations with cashiers and employees at various stores you visit. ➕ Engage with members at your community place of worship. ➕ Enroll in art-based community activities, such as art, dance, drama, music, poetry, pottery, or expressive writing classes. ➕ Enroll at a local or community college to take cooking, history, or astronomy classes. ➕ Get a library card and participate in book club events. ➕ Get involved in nature-based activities, such as bird watching, botanical garden and park visits, farmer's market shopping, forest bathing or hiking, gardening, or walks at a lake, river, or beach. ➕Connect with family and friends locally or on Zoom. #lifestylemedicine #lifestylemedicinetoolbox #healthcare #medicine #nature Melissa Sundermann, DO, DipABLM, FACLM Sarah Hamlin Jessica Kingsley Publishers, Ltd

Learnt a new word today; Hygge 📚 Did you know that Hygge comes from the Danes, consistently ranked among the happiest people globally? It's a concept we can all learn from and incorporate into our daily lives. With all the stress and negativity around us, who couldn't benefit from a little Hygge? ☕ Here are some key points about Hygge: 🔹 Pronounced “hoo-gah” 🔹 Danish word for cosiness 🔹 Originates from "to think" in Old Norse Hard to pronounce but easy to feel, Hygge embodies comfort, contentment, and well-being through simple everyday experiences. It's all about coziness, togetherness, and appreciating life’s small pleasures. Curious to learn more? Check out these sources for a deeper dive into Hygge: 📖 https://lnkd.in/g2cR6JZJ 📖 https://lnkd.in/gAmZBgjg 📖 https://lnkd.in/gRYz-sAb Source: Headway app, where I discovered this gem from "The Danish Way of Parenting" book summary. Ready to embrace a little more Hygge in your life? 🌿 #Hygge #WellBeing #Comfort #Mindfulness