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Family togetherness has taken on a whole new meaning, thanks to COVID-19.

Less time out and about and more time at home is a mixed blessing. The public health crisis is stressful on both parents and children, as routines are shaken up and socializing is greatly reduced or nonexistent.

Being on top of one another can be a challenge for everyone, but it doesn't have to be, said DeAnn Collins, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Program Manager at Health First's Senior Behavioral Wellness Intensive Outpatient program. Look at it as an opportunity to spend quality time together as a family and maybe even explore some new avenues for fun. Keep in mind each suggestion should be age-appropriate:

• Get outside. Whether on foot or via bicycle, explore places beyond your neighborhood. Ride through other areas in your hometown or drive somewhere else in Brevard and take a stroll. Check out other subdivisions on bike, explore trails that are open and more. Sometimes, we don't see what's around us because we're traveling by car - or riding in the backseat with our noses in our phones. If you're going to be in an area where there are other people, remember to socially distance, wear a mask and sanitize your hands frequently.
• Make it a movie night. The pandemic is the perfect excuse to sit down together as a family with some popcorn and watch a movie (and maybe some sequels and prequels). Or find a new series for the family to binge watch. Not only is it entertaining, but it provides the chance to bond over a common interest.
• Go camping - in your backyard. Put up a tent, gather around a fire pit, make some s'mores and soak up the stars. You don't have to go far to enjoy a night out in the "wilderness."
• Get your game on. Whether board games or those on a video-gaming system, choose something everyone can enjoy. Pull out one of the classics or try something new. Or get up and have a gaming dance or sports competition. The possibilities are endless.
• Read a book together. Take turns reading out loud and discuss each chapter after tackling it. There are plenty of classics out there and even current popular titles that can evoke the imagination. More importantly, you'll be together.
• Create art or write. Sit down and paint, draw, color or sketch together. Create a family book or write a story about the experience the pandemic has been for your family. Not only does this give children a chance to be creative, but also to express their feelings about how COVID-19 is affecting them and their lives. Encourage kids (and yourself) to journal, so you'll have something tangible to look back on someday.
• Make a happiness or gratitude jar. Take a Mason jar or something similar, decorate it and add good thoughts to it every day. Have each family member (or the family as a whole) write down on a scrap of paper something good about each day. Fold it and toss it in. And then, when this is behind us or you're needing a pick-me-up, read through them. Sometimes, we all need a gentle nudge to recognize the good things around us that we don't even think about.
• Make home improvement a family affair. Have you been putting off cleaning out the garage, painting a room or planting a garden? Now is your chance to get those things done with the help of the whole family. Tasks are more attainable when broken down or spread out among the family. And it'll give your kids a sense of pride to accomplish a goal and maybe even be a bit cathartic.
• Virtual trips. Ever wanted to visit the Louvre? The Eiffel Tower or Buckingham Palace? Mount Rushmore or the Grand Canyon? How about the beautiful beaches and mountains of Hawaii? You can see these places and many more right from the comfort and safety of your home. Just visit the official websites of any of these sites. With laptops, smart TVs and other options, sit down as a family and explore some of the greatest historical sites, museums and wonders of the world without setting a foot outside.
• Talk about COVID-19 challenges. This pandemic isn't just tough on adults - it's tough on kids, too. Not only are they growing and changing, but they're doing so in an unsettling time. Emotions are high for many, especially those who aren't able to see their friends as much. Encourage your children to share their frustrations with you - as well as any unexpected benefits that have come from this public health crisis. "One of the ways that we can get to the point of appreciating where we are is by acknowledging and talking with other family members about any feelings of loss related to the many lifestyle changes that have happened as a result of the pandemic," DeAnn said.

Crafting a quality family environment also means creating boundaries for everyone's mental well-being. While work and family responsibilities are often now under the same roof, you can successfully tend to both. Some tips:

• Take care of you. "In addition to spending quality time with the family, consider practicing self-care through taking some time to engage in quiet time by yourself to recharge your batteries," DeAnn said. "It can be difficult to appreciate time spent with others if we are out of energy ourselves."
• Designate workspaces away from family common areas. "Sometimes it can be difficult to separate work from home when your home is suddenly the work environment," DeAnn said. "Creating a separate space for work can help make time with family more enjoyable."