Sometimes, life is just unfair. We welcomed a new year, a fresh start, a new beginning, and little did know we were going to experience the historic quarantine of 2020. Even as our state begins to loosen restrictions, we have to make wise and sometimes hard choices to remain safe at home. As we learn to cope with our new normal, we often wonder how we can navigate relationships with family during our time of social distancing. Our family has found a few ways to bring a little light to our day and that of others.
Send Handmade Crafts or Cards
Remember back when you would wait all day for the mail to arrive to get your next letter from your pen pal? It’s a great way for your children to express their creative side while social distancing. It can be hard to not be connected with family and sending handmade crafts and cards are great ways to cope.
We may not be able to visit those we love, but sending a homemade craft or card in the mail will be the perfect touch to brighten your family’s day and help maintain those important relationships with family. Additionally, you can get addresses to the local nursing home or fire station. What better way to say hi or thank you than with a homemade craft from your little?
Get Creative with Video Chats
Thankfully, we live in a world full of amazing technology. We have seen so many new ways to stay virtually connected during this time of social distancing. So how do you navigate your relationships with family when you can physically be together? Apps like Facetime, Skype, and Zoom are great ways to stay connected. We love being able to sit down and see our family members.
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Virtual Show and Tell
Who doesn’t love showing your family and friends your new creation or artwork? My son loves to unbox Legos and narrate. While practicing social distancing we tried something new with him: FaceTime Lego dates. He has the opportunity to build his creations and tell his family all about it. What a great way for kids to connect with their loved ones while doing an activity that they love.
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Virtual Lunch Dates
Let’s be real, we all miss the ability to get out of the house and meet family at a local restaurant for lunch. We know being able to stay connected to family and friends is great for our mental health. Virtual lunch dates are a fun way to sit down for a meal together, even from afar. Find a time that works best for you and your family. It may not be the same, but it is a great way to keep up on relationships with family while staying safe at home.
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Virtual Book Reading
Lastly, a great way to stay connected with those you love is by sharing common interests. My kids love books and we recently discovered Storyline Online– a great website with an endless number of books that are read aloud by different artists. Reading books to your children stimulates their imagination while expanding their understanding of the world. Perhaps try having a loved one read with your child via video chat as well.
Remember, this is Temporary
Stores and shops will open again. There will be gatherings and parties. Know that you are not alone. Be honest with your children about what they are experiencing. Let them know it is only temporary. Validate those feelings and talk regularly as a family. Maintain socially distant relationships with family as best you can. This ongoing season of change is hard for all of us: parents, children, and extended family alike.
“Don’t worry about a thing, ’cause, every little thing is gonna be alright!” –Bob Marley
