Without a doubt, this pandemic has brought some hard-hitting realities upon families the world over. Whether it’s economic struggles, learning to physically distance ourselves from each other through “social distancing”, entertaining your children non-stop, or finding basic supplies like toilet paper, it’s been a difficult start to the year – to put it lightly. I’ve corralled a list of resources from around the web in the hopes of helping you navigate these times a little easier.
SOCIAL DISTANCING
By far, the notion of physically distancing ourselves from those we care about has been the most difficult part of this pandemic. The reality is, however, that love often involves sacrifice. If we truly care about spending time with our loved ones in the future we’ll be proactive in implementing the ordinances to remain at least 6 feet apart from each other when outdoors and otherwise self-isolate as long as necessary.
You may be physically separated, but when did that stop us from getting in touch with people before? Call, text, video chat, or live stream on social media. The following platforms help us feel united while apart, puts smiles on our faces, helps us keep active, and entertain the kids.
WhatsApp – A free video and calling service. Go to the app store on your phone and download it to use.
Zoom – A application designed to host meetings. Hosts up to 100 participants so you can stay connected to everyone!
Tip: Link up with other families to take turns hosting a storytime or activity each week so that your children can see their friends!
Set up a weekly check-in with your extended family.
Karaoke!!! Anyone down for a sing-off? Link up and Jam!
Instagram : These accounts have been either live streaming / posting videos and bringing the world together through…
Music: @dnice, @questlove, @dominiquehammonsviolin, @nprmusic (love their “Tiny Desk Concerts”
Food: @dianemorrisey, @nishcooks, @homecookingshow, @cookinwithmima, @nytcooking, @buzzfeedtasty
Exercise: @mrcalliet,@kirastokesfit, @meganroup, @thesculptsociety, @amandakloots
Youtube: To Entertain Your Kids…
CocoMelon – Nursery Rhymes and Kids Songs
CBeebies – U.K.’s Preschool videos
Simplekidscrafts – 5-minute doll crafts for kids
WordWorld – PBS preschool series
the Houston Zoo – For your animal lovers!
TED-Ed – Informative, animated series for your older children
National Geographic Kids – Explore the world
Ryan’s World – Science Experiments and Pretend Play with Ryan
I’m a Dinosaur – Educational and comical cartoons in English and French for your dino-loving kids.
Podcasts : For Kids:
Kid’s Listen – Imagine This w/ Brianna Peterson
But Why: A Podcast For Curious Kids (Excellent explanation of Coronavirus for kids)
Check out this website for even more great podcasts for kiddos.
The Toilet Paper Crisis
Finding basic necessities during times of hysteria can be frustrating. The first things to go off the shelves at the start of this pandemic were hand sanitizer, toilet paper, and paper towels. Because, ya know… when hiding away in your homes – you’re not hungry. Older people were being mowed over so that others could hoard obscene amounts of goods. Thankfully, many grocery stores have begun allowing individuals over 60 years to shop for the first two hours before the stores are opened to the general public.
Here are a few online shops that will either deliver goods straight to your door or allow for in-store pick-ups.
Amazon Fresh (a Whole Foods delivery service)
Peapod ( a Stop&Shop delivery service)
Remember the following:
Certain high-demand goods such as pasta, beans, and paper products may not be available.
Make a notation on your delivery order to have packages left at your door to avoid unnecessary contact for your safety and the safety of delivery personnel.
Delivery times may be delayed with the increased number of online shoppers and the lack of delivery personnel available. (Remember: Delivery workers have been affected by this crisis and we should be grateful that individuals are risking their own health to serve others on a daily basis.)
Make sure to disinfect areas delivery boxes have touched and as always – WASH YOUR HANDS.
If possible, check in with older individuals who are not tech-savvy and offer to help purchase groceries for them.
Don’t Just Say It, Show It
via @mountsinainyc
There aren’t enough words to say how grateful we all are for the many people who have sacrificed themselves, their safety, and time with their families for the sake of keeping crucial establishments running during this pandemic. We show how grateful and respectful we are of their sacrifices by not making life harder and riskier for them. We STAY HOME and PHYSICALLY DISTANCE ourselves when out because we care and we are obligated to. One rotten apple spoils the bunch… DON’T BE THE ROTTEN APPLE.
Feel All The Feelings
There is no right way to react when faced with a crisis. We would all like to think that we can be the strong rock when hard times hit and keep it together, but the truth is we are human. We get tired. We get bored. We panic. We get frustrated. We get angry. We get impatient. AND IT’S OKAY! But let’s find ways to get ahead of how often we feel those negative emotions and inadvertently inflict them on others who we’re social distancing with. Please go for a walk, sing out loud, get some sun, read, make a vision board, jump, cry, shake, kick rocks, put on a face mask, take a bath and brush your hair. Or don’t. Just do things that make you happy. Plan. Make a plan to do at least one thing for you and one thing for someone else each day. It could be just letting them know you care. Plan for the future. Talk about your dreams because one day this is going to be over and you’ll want to be ready.
Wishing You Love, Peace, Health, and Safety,
Xx- Dani
PS… Please share any helpful tips or encouraging words in the comments below or tag us @ma_bohne sharing how you’re #SafeAtHome?Mabohne. We’re in this together!