I have been searching the inter-webs for content and ideas for parents confined at home with small, school-aged children. It occurred to me that you Millennial and Generation X parents are probably much better than I am at finding things on the internet. Many content providers have stepped up to the plate to offer home schooling lessons, art lessons, crafts and more. I can offer you some ideas on how to adapt these offering to benefit your children based on my experience as a professional and as a parent. I will make that my mission in future blog posts.
This post is a bit different. I admit that lately I have been finding it a challenge to maintain a positive outlook. Like many, I am stuck at home far from family and isolated from friends. Just like everyone else I have been using every means possible to keep in contact with others. But, you can’t escape it. The news reports are depressing. How would I handle it if I had young children at home? Well, I think there are some positive things happening in the world. Glimmers of hope if you look for them.
Older kids might find some interest in verified reports that a COVID 19 vaccine has just entered into Phase One testing. Healthcare workers and researchers have made some breakthroughs in treatments for the most severely affected. Everyone should take notice that pollution levels in manufacturing centers in China and other countries have lifted markedly in the past few weeks. It was reported today that dolphins and swans have returned to the rapidly clearing waters of the Venetian canals. There are many videos of people in Rome and other cities in Italy remaining connected while honoring Social Distancing rules through the creative use of balconies. They sing to each other, meet to share meals, share gossip, and call encouragement to people walking their dogs on the streets (One of the few acceptable reasons to be outside at the moment). There are no lines at grocery stores in Rome because there are limits on how much anyone can buy at one time. No one needs to be nervous about food or toilet paper.
These observations can lead to discussions with your children about how your family can make a positive difference where you live. If you live in a suburban setting, perhaps you can invite your neighbors to share coffee or breakfast together by coming out to their front yards in the morning, just to say hello and maintain connections. If you live in an apartment building, how about a hallway party. where all you need to do is stand in your doorway say hello and share a chat.
I would love to hear your ideas. Are you already doing something like this? How did you go about it? How did it work out?