Learning Playful Ways to Cope during Times of Stress
In a rural Wolastoqiyik (‘people of the beautiful river’) community in New Brunswick, Community Mentor Krista facilitates youth centered virtual and in-person programming on improving healthy relationships.
“Our communities’ band members is 2,500, but probably only half of that live on reserve. And we’re still very isolated, there’s only one route in and one route out. The community has come a long way though; I think in all ways. [There are] a lot more opportunities for the youth and the children,” she says.
One of those opportunities is the PLAY program, which Krista believes is a meaningful support for youth. “Having consistent programming [is important]. It’s that ‘yes, I’ll be here, there will be something going on.’ For a long time, we were lacking that I felt,” she explains.
This year, due to the changing restrictions and circumstances faced by youth during the pandemic, Krista’s programming has included in-person and virtual. She has facilitated a hockey clinic, Maliseet language games, a medicine bundle workshop accompanied by Elder teachings, and themed-focused video calls complete with program equipment kits she delivered to children and youth.
One themed video call focused on mental wellness. Krista planned this video session because youth had been self-isolating as a COVID-19 precaution. “Our first Zoom [video] night was getting them comfortable with each other again because they had been out of class,” Krista explains.
One of the youth in the program is 11-year-old P.K.*, who explains that he was able to avoid boredom during self-isolation through some activities, with video games, playing with his dog and other pastimes, but he really missed socializing with his friends.
"We had a lot of coping [content]. We talked about fidgets, Play-Doh, or anything they used if they’re feeling anxious or upset"
With limited social interaction, youth have had to contend with rising stress levels during the pandemic as well. “[I feel stressed] when my mind is full of stuff, when everybody talks too much, when there’s too much information…” P.K. describes. Recognizing this, Krista explored coping strategies with youth during the video session. “We had a lot of coping [content]. We talked about fidgets, Play-Doh, or anything they used if they’re feeling anxious or upset, what helped them - we talked about that,” Krista explains. “And then we had therapeutic colouring and journals in their kit,” she adds.
For youth like P.K., learning these strategies has proven useful outside the program. “If you’re stressed, those things can help you. […] I play with fidgets [and do] breathing exercises,” P.K. shares.
As a result of the socializing opportunities, consistency, and play-based learning experiences of the program, Krista also witnessed P.K. and other youth improving their coping & communication skills, such as self-regulation. She describes the changes she has seen in a participant for whom she is a caregiver outside of the program: “Before, I feel like he would be so closed in and [the way he would] deal with his emotions…it would come out as anger. Now he could be like ‘I think I just need a minute'.”
Krista continues to create a space that feels like a home for youth participants, where they can learn and grow as individuals. “Just the fact that someone’s there [is important for the youth],” Krista says. “Even just to talk about a bad day or talk about a good day; that someone’s going to listen.”
*Name has been changed.