Reducing stress during this time of uncertainty – Step 3

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How can a family reduce stress during this time of uncertainty? What can help keep or bring happiness to your family during the COVID-19 crisis or anytime?

In the second post in this series, I shared how to create a points system for recognition. In this, the third in the series, I will share a way to bring “method to the madness.” The objective for creating a set method in your family is to bring a sense of oneness and reinforce the shared family values.

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These are some ideas for parts of a family system or method. These are not the end all be all, but are a good starting point. Remember-it’s important to develop these with the entire family.

  1. Weekly Family Meeting
  2. Daily Family Stand-up
  3. Task Cards
  4. Task boards with rows for each family member

Next, it’s important that there is a common and understood vocabulary (e.g.-can pass inspection, responsibility or chore, family stand-up, weekly family meeting or promised).

The common vocabulary is then used on a cork board or another board to allow for posting family content and each individual responsibility. Place these boards in a prominent place so they are seen often!

Now place various types of tasks on the boards in each family member’s row. The specific data is developed by the children.

*Daily & Personal Tasks-these always stay with one person; e.g. feeding your own pet

*Daily & Shared Tasks-these rotate every planning meeting; e.g. emptying the dishwasher or sorting laundry

*Weekly & Personal Tasks-these stay with one person; e.g. cleaning your room

*Weekly & Shared Tasks-these rotate every planning meeting; e.g. sweeping the driveway

*Ad-hoc responsibilities-these are added at any time and thrown away when completed

 

Try using white index cards for weekly tasks and pink for shared tasks. Daily tasks are displayed in a checklist so everyone can see the progress on getting them completed. You can keep track of the daily points and Cotchas on these boards too!

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  • Sturgeon Bay Blessing Boxes – there are little blessing boxes around Sturgeon Bay that have non-perishable food items and personal care items available for free. Just walk up and take what you need. Here is a map of blessing box locations. Sturgeon Bay Blessing Boxes
  • Affordable Preventative Vet Pop Up Clinic – For dogs and cats — Microchipping, vaccinations, testing & deworming, heartworm prevention, flea & tick medications are available at Tractor Supply in Sturgeon Bay through PetVet at very reasonable pricing. see full details on the PetVet website.

Join the partnership

The Partnership is open to any Door County Community member. You are especially encouraged to attend our quarterly Partnership meetings to hear what the Partnership has been working on.