A Parent’s Guide to Surviving the Coronapocalypse
- Your children will be nuts. Everyone is. Whatever crazy thing they are doing is their version of buying ALL THE TOILET PAPER!!!
- Take a breath. Stop beating yourself up for all the extra screen time. Remember, we are in the middle of a global crisis. It’s ok to outsource a little of your energy to the screen.
- If you want, let your one year old throw something at the TV and break it, thereby eliminating that option.
- Revel in this time spent with nothing to do. No extra curricular classes, no sports, no playdates… this time will lead to everyone discovering something new about themselves.
- Relax your schedule. Give the kids the time opportunity to explore their play. It may surprise you what they gravitate toward.
- Relax about immediately finding a strict curriculum to fill in the gaps. We will have more information very soon, from the school and government. Enjoy spending this time with your kids. It is a gift.
- Go outside… Tinkergarten defines nature as “access to ground, sky, and living things.” It takes the pressure off! You don’t have to trek out to the wilderness to get the benefits of nature. That little patch of ground right outside your door will do it.
- Avoid going to the store at all costs!!!
- Read! If you read together, laugh and enjoy good books, your kids will not fall behind. They will always remember enjoying wonderful stories together.
- Develop a new skill with your kids. If you have them fill out some journal pages, you do it too. If you have them follow a drawing prompt, join in. Not only will you develop great memories, but you will show your kids you value the activity. They likely will value it more, too.
- Embrace boredom! Boredom is the gateway to creativity! Isaac Newton invented calculus while his University was shut down during the plague. Who knows what we can do?!
Most of all, stay safe and healthy! I’ll be back with a great list of some of my favorite free resources.