Keeping Our Kids Busy (and Our Minds Sane) During The COVID-19 Pandemic
By now I know many of us are starting to panic a bit surrounding the whole COVID-19 Pandemic. There is a myriad of things to worry about. The stock market, our elderly relatives, our young children, our husbands or wives who are traveling for work, our healthcare system…the list is extensive and limitless. Questions we have that no one can answer completely paralyze us. “How long will this last?” “Will I be able to work?” “How will I provide for my family? “
Once you’ve gone through the initial shock of this situation, it hits you. “WHAT IN THE HECK AM I GOING TO DO TO KEEP MY KIDS AND MYSELF FROM GOING CRAZY!?” We are all social creatures by nature. Our kids naturally want to play with friends and go to play places and the movie theatre. As the cases are multiplying, Doctors are now suggesting we limit any social interaction where there is a higher chance of transmission. Which puts us at home. A LOT. What now? Although I do not have the answers to relieve a lot of your worry concerning this virus, I do have some tips that will hopefully help make this uncertain time go a bit smoother (and organized) at home with your kiddos!
Try to keep a positive attitude. I know, it’s easier said than done but hear me out. Our children feed off of our energy. I’ve seen it firsthand when I am grumpy, my kids act out. They pick up on our anxiety, which can make them feel anxious and uncertain, which can cause them to worry incessantly and extensive news coverage about the virus can leave a lot of children with questions and fear. The best way to ease any fear is to talk about it with them. It sounds so simple, but many times we just assume our kids aren’t worried or have questions but when prompted, you may be surprised at what they open up about.
Organize activities for the day to keep kids busy. For instance, my middle son and his little friend planned their entire spring garden. They drew out where they wanted everything planted and researched when the seeds should be planted. Not only did it keep them busy all day, they learned so much in the process! Other ideas for activities: playing board games or learning a new card game together like “Rummy”, covering the sidewalks in art with chalk, planning meals and cooking together, or organizing with a specific goal in mind. For example, with my oldest son, we went through his clothes and if he was able to focus and help me without complaining (he had to try on some things to see if they would stay or go), he got a privilege of his choice. The sense of accomplishment in knocking out some things around your home that you have put off is pretty sweet, and involving the kids in it…even sweeter.
Get outside! Make a new family goal of training for a mini-marathon, go on a hike, go fishing, play basketball, tennis, baseball, anything you want, just get outside! The kids need to get their energy out and you need the physical activity to boost your mind with the endorphins your body is craving. When my boys are fighting, I will make everyone go outside, and almost always, it makes everyone better!
Make yourself a priority. Oftentimes we are so busy caring for others we forget that we need to show ourselves some love too. It is SO important and I would go as far as to say it’s a non-negotiable! Light a candle, take a bath, go for a walk, read a book, watch mindless television, listen to a podcast, nap, cook, meditate, journal, do a facemask, paint your nails, lay on the couch and stare at the ceiling…whatever it is that brings YOU joy, do it. Without any guilt! You will be able to reset and recharge and have a greater ability to tackle all the things that come your way with a better attitude!
Stay (somewhat) organized. Did you just read that and laugh out loud? I know it sounds unobtainable, but it’s not. Remember, we aren’t trying to make our homes Pinterest worthy during this time. We are trying to keep our surroundings from becoming too chaotic. Because the more out of control we feel our outer circumstances, aka Corona Virus, are, the more we as humans naturally crave inner order. And when our house is completely out of control, that is a recipe for disaster. Many productivity specialists implement what is called the “Focused 15”. This is working in 15-minute blocks of time to complete a task. A way to implement this with your kids is by setting a timer on your stove and stating your goal (unloading the dishwasher, washing down the counters, unloading the laundry) and asking them to state theirs (making their bed, cleaning the playroom, feeding the dogs, etc.). It’s something about knowing there is an endpoint and a goal that helps them stay on task. Even my ten year old responds positively to this! It’s amazing how by doing this even once a day can make such a positive difference in your surroundings and having a happy home transcends into so many other areas of your life.
If you notice, none of my suggestions include going to the store or spending a dime! They are certainly not groundbreaking ideas to say the least, but simple reminders that we all can be productive, orderly (somewhat!), and happy despite what is all around us. To be completely honest, I typed this blog early this morning, accidentally deleted the whole thing, and had to start completely over. I almost threw my computer in the lake but instead, I said a few choice words, took a break and a deep breath, and decided to start anew. I catch myself having to do that very often these days, sometimes multiple times per day! But as long as we can remind ourselves and each other, it’s progress over perfection, and with all the bad in the world, there still is a lot of good if we are open to receiving it!