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To Donate $10 to American Red Cross - Text "REDCROSS" to 90999 30 www.DesertMessenger.com February 17, 2021 Get updates from Sheriff's Office UPDATES FROM SHERIFF The La Paz County Sheriff's Offi ce would like to remind everyone that you can have up to date emergency information sent to your cell phone via text message by texting your zip code to 888777. This is a website called "NIXLE". We send the fol- lowing type of information to your cell phone: 'road closures, severe weather alerts, serious crime infor- mation, Amber alerts, etc. By sign- ing up with NIXLE, we are able to communicate important informa- tion to everyone quickly and effi - ciently via text message. Please sign up today, the service is free. "We may encounter many defeats but we must not be defeated." ~ Maya Angelou County Landfill Transfer Station Winter Hours The Quartzsite Transfer Station is now on their WINTER hours. They are open Sunday thru Wednes- day, 7:30am to 2:30pm. Dump your trash for free at the Transfer Station. Please cover your load. For more info call the Main landfi ll 928- 916-1253 or Main offi ce at 928-854- 9152. The transfer station is locat- ed north of Town, just off Hwy. 95, near the Sewer Treatment Plant. Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ DesertMessengerNews Follow on Twitter @DesertMessenger @QuartzsiteRain Using play to combat your child's stress (StatePoint) With the pandemic continuing to disrupt routines, you may have growing anxieties about how the extended crisis will affect your child's social and emotional health long-term. A new survey conducted by OnePoll on behalf of the The Genius of Play -- a national movement to educate parents and caregivers about play's vital role in child development -- examined the concerns of parents with children ages 2–18. Here are some of the fi ndings, along with tips to counteract the negative ef- fects of quarantine: Social Skills Seven in 10 parents believe spend- ing a year in quarantine will have a lasting effect on their child's growth and development. Among those parents, the top concern is that it'll be more diffi cult for their child to connect with people in- person in the future (52%). Tied for second and third were concerns that it'll be more diffi cult for their child to play (44%) or make friends in the future (also 44%) after being separated from their peers. "There are numerous playtime activities that boost communica- tion and social skills, which can be adapted to this new reality," says Anna Yudina, senior director of marketing initiatives at The Toy As- sociation. During a period when travel is limited, Yudina suggests playing "International Menu" to help kids learn about the world. To play, pick a location and discuss its local dishes. Then, give kids Play-Doh to create them. Have kids play restau- rant with their new DIY meals. Us- ing action fi gures and toys, try other roleplay games that encourage in- teraction and communication skills that kids may not have practiced for awhile. Classic board games with questions and answers – like Guess Who? – can also help kids build and retain their social skills. Loneliness Four in 10 parents worry about their child's mental health as a result of the pandemic. What's more, 72% of respondents say they believe that during 2020 their child was lone- lier than ever before. That's a feel- ing extending to parents themselves -- 58% said they, too, were lonelier than ever. "Whether building a furniture fort, solving a puzzle or using a science kit, collaborative play gives us an opportunity to connect and combat loneliness while keeping children happy and entertained," says Yu- dina. "Playing together also offers parents insights into their child's world and what may be causing their stress and anxiety." An arts and crafts session presents an opportunity to connect with friends and family who your child may be missing. Break out the pa- per, stickers, markers, and safety scissors to create cards to send to loved ones. Be sure to organize virtual play- dates, too. The latest apps are mak- ing it easier for kids to read, draw, act out plays, and watch movies vir- tually with friends. The Bright Side Despite its diffi culties, parents indi- cated that this period has had silver linings. When asked what positives have resulted from spending more time at home over the past year, the top response was being able to spend more time playing with their child (46%). To get inspired to fi ll in all those additional hours with play, visit thegeniusofplay.org, a great online resource for parents offering tons of play ideas. "The long-lasting effects of the pan- demic are yet to be determined," says Yudina. "In the meantime, all this extended time at home is an ex- cellent opportunity for families to connect and play, keeping both kids and adults social and active." PHOTO SOURCE: (c) fi zkes / iStock via Getty Images Plus

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