The Children’s Wisconsin board of directors has named Gil Peri as the organization’s new president and CEO, effective August 12, 2024.
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Cleaning can be a daunting task. Picking up toys and clutter are probably the last thing you want to do as a parent or caregiver. But having this cluttered mess can be extremely disruptive to your child’s mental health. As a behavioral health consultant, I’ve seen firsthand how these cluttered spaces can foster feelings of anxiety and stress in children and teens.
Spring may have sprung earlier than usual this year, but you still have time to get started on those cleaning projects you have delayed in months prior.
The mere thought of cleaning can feel overwhelming. One of the best things to do to mentally prepare is setting a goal. Sometimes, it can be easier to begin with a short-term goal. Short-term goals are more realistic for keeping children engaged.
Gathering supplies such as a timer, surface cleaners, brooms, mops, or vacuums can also help to prepare for this cleaning.
Spring cleaning can greatly contribute to mental health. It can help to regain a sense of control and can act as a sort of healthy space for your mental health. Both children and adults can benefit from cleaning in many different ways:
Ideally, all spaces should be tidied up, but the most important spaces are bedrooms and study/work spaces.
Having a clean bedroom can encourage proper sleep hygiene for both children and teens. A cluttered bedroom can majorly impact sleep because kids are focused on the mess around them, rather than sleeping.
Study spaces should be kept clean to improve focus and eliminate distractions.
To maintain a clean home, take 10 minutes a day to tidy up any high-traffic living spaces. By staying on top of the mess itself, it will be much easier to avoid any buildup that could occur in the time between cleans. Dusting and disinfecting surfaces, as well as sweeping once a week, can help maintain the cleanliness of the space so that there isn’t much of a mess after.
While cleaning the entire house can feel like a lofty goal, it can be done. Start with small goals and work your way up. Don’t be afraid to ask for additional support if you are feeling stuck and overwhelmed. Enlist the help of non-judgmental family members or friends to assist with cleaning. Also, there are trained professionals to assist with de-cluttering, organizing and maintaining your home. Most importantly, remember to give yourself grace.
While a clean home may not seem like a huge deal, the mental health impacts outweigh the time and hassle of cleaning a home.
Staff supporting mental and behavioral health care at Children’s Wisconsin includes experts in the fields of child and adolescent psychiatry, pediatric psychology, neuropsychology and psychotherapy.
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