Writing this has been a bit of a struggle. Last week it seemed so clear: Parents’ Voice should put together a short list of educational or fun activities that could be done at home while we wait out this crisis.
But as the week has gone on, I’ve found it harder to concentrate on writing. What seemed so simple became more complicated as the global situation shifted. I found it difficult to shelter myself from the overwhelming number of conversations about coronavirus and the confusion of parents trying to figure out whether they should be keeping their kids at home.
I was going to list things that you could be doing with your kids over the coming weeks. There are some interesting things being done by people in isolation: museums giving digital tours, authors reading and discussing their books, artists running virtual kids workshops and musicians live streaming private concerts, and these are still well worth a look.
But I think the most important thing we should be doing is giving ourselves permission to be human. To spend a bit too much on the couch, snuggling up to watch a family favourite. To not becoming de facto teachers (at least for a short while) for our little ones. To be more fun and less productive.
I say focus on simply being with your kids, and not adding to the parenting guilt.
Additional Notes:
If you want some pointers about chatting to kids about Coronavirus, the Raising Children Network has a great resource. Read it here.
If you are looking for some educational things to do with the kids, we will be putting together some ideas in our next newsletter. Subscribe here.
We will also be regularly sharing tips, ideas and support via our Facebook group.
