What Are Social Connections and Why Are They Important?
Social connections are positive relationships that provide emotional support and advice. Everyone needs friends, especially parents. Having a network of social connections you can rely on is important for every family. This doesn’t mean that you have to have hundreds of people in your life that you consider a friend – just a few people you can count on in times of need, to learn from and laugh with.
During a time when isolation is a part of our daily lives, it’s normal to need an outlet to express what we are going through with friends and professionals who can relate and know how to help. Champions for Children has got you covered!
What Do Healthy Social Connections Look Like?
- Strong and balanced relationships with others who support you and want the best for you and your family
- Accepting help from those who have your best interest at heart and helping those who need you
- Establishing strong connections and maintaining them through mutual respect and appreciation
- Social connections can be friends, family members, neighbors or community members who provide emotional support, help you solve problems, offer parenting advice, and give concrete assistance to you as a parent.
Tips for Social Connections During Quarantine
- According to the CDC, you should “stay connected while staying away. It is very important to stay in touch with friends and family that don’t live in your home. Call, video chat, or stay connected using social media. Everyone reacts differently to stressful situations and having to socially distance yourself from someone you love can be difficult.”
- The Atlantic posted an article on The Art of Socializing During a Quarantine. The article lists seven tips, two of which are highly relevant for parents.
- (1) Support others, or just let them know you’re available. An important element of feeling socially connected is receiving support from others, or at least knowing that the support is there to call on if needed. Giving support can be just as fulfilling and important as receiving — if you’re feeling isolated, your friends probably are too. Try checking in on them!
- (2) Use a Variety of Media. Watch a movie or TV show at the same time from afar—there are tools available for syncing up Netflix across multiple computers and for streaming the same videos on different screens.
- Our Layla’s House Program Director Latoya Randolph suggests joining or starting a neighborhood social distancing scavenger hunt. While maintaining a safe distance, you can play a game of I Spy with neighbors and friends in the community. Click here to view other tips Latoya has for families in quarantine.
How Champions Can Help You Build Social Connections During COVID-19?
Even as we are isolated in our homes, Champions has programs that help you connect with other parents and their children who are experiencing similar challenges. If you are feeling socially isolated, join one of Champions’ virtual parenting classes and playgroups. Here, you will meet and connect with other families in Hillsborough County who are going through similar parenting struggles. Families who participate in our programs often form lifelong friendships. Even in these strange times, we are here to help make that possible!
Champions’ programs and resources are particularly important to developing emotionally fulfilling social connections while ensuring your child is progressing appropriately for their age. For more information, visit our Facebook page, reference our one page guide to virtual programs below, or call us at 813-673-6464 ext. 0 to learn about the different programs we offer.
We hope to see you soon in one of our groups!
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