The pandemic has caused many disappointments and challenges as families miss out on planned vacations, school activities, and social gatherings. Exciting events like weddings and graduations are delayed or cancelled and families are being forced to work and do school work from home. We are having to reinvent how we do almost everything. Parents understand that staying home is the best way to keep our families safe and healthy even if it means missing out on some things we were looking forward to. While life has changed and circumstances aren’t what we would choose, there are still many positive things that can come out of being quarantined.
Family bonding time
Our family is busy and there are days where my husband and I say a passing hello as we shuttle kids to and from activities while trying to feed them dinner. Canceling sports and activities has caused us to stay home. We eat together, watch TV together, and have more family time than we have had in years. I have watched my kids grow to be closer friends and lean on each other while they are at home. It has been fun to watch them go from playing together simply because they have no one else to play with and evolve naturally into a deep friendship and truly enjoying each other’s company. I hope the bonds they have built will last a lifetime and the extra family time during quarantine will make for great memories.
Old school entertainment
Families have had time to enjoy activities that they wouldn’t normally have time for like board games, puzzles, reading aloud, and arts and crafts. My kids read the entire Harry Potter series together during quarantine and then watched all the movies together. Our normal schedule would not have allowed time for that.
Outdoor time
As parents work from home and kids are doing distance learning, more families are spending their lunch hours and weekends taking walks, hiking, riding bikes, playing in the sprinkler, and playing games outside. You may have noticed that backyard pools, bicycles, trampolines, and other outdoor entertainment for families were sold out at most stores this summer. People are enjoying outdoor play and hopefully this will become a healthy habit in the years to come.
Rest and relaxation
Parents are always running errands, managing the calendar, dropping kids here and there, attempting to keep up with chores, all while working. We are a busy society and this busy life can cause exhaustion. Quarantine has given us the chance to reduce the places we need to be on any given day. No commute means we can sleep in. We have more time for leisurely activities that we didn’t have time for in the past such as watching movies, reading, and crafts. Practice self care and do something you enjoy with or without the kids.
Tackling projects
Any homeowner will tell you that home improvement projects are never ending. Quarantine has given families a chance to spruce up their homes. Have you always wanted to repaint your living room? Now is the time. Make a list of home improvement projects you would like to get done and see what you can tackle as a family. This is also a great learning opportunity for the kids as they experience first hand how to do new things and the value of hard work.
Eating at home
Eating at a restaurant is a nice treat but it can also be expensive and unhealthy. Take a break from fast food and cook meals at home. You can choose the ingredients and how the food is prepared which makes it a healthier option. Inviting the kids to help you prepare food is a great life lesson as well.
Teaching
Parents have the unique opportunity to teach their own children during quarantine. Not only do they have a first row seat as their children participate in distance learning online but they also have the chance to teach them life skills while they are at home. Have your kids help with chores like laundry, house cleaning, and yard work. You can also teach them to balance a budget, work on organization skills,and plan, shop for, and cook meals. Help your kids plan a service project. Pick up groceries for a family who cannot safely go to the store, organize a canned food drive, or simply reach out to people who may feel lonely during quarantine. There are many opportunities to teach your kids lifelong skills during this extra time together.
Extra time at home can be fun and relaxing some days and other days cause anxiety and feelings of loneliness. All of those feelings are normal and acceptable. Talk to your kids about what they are disappointed and sad about in an age appropriate way. Ask them what things have been a hidden blessing about being quarantined. Acknowledging these feelings will help everyone work through the negatives and celebrate the positives in a difficult situation.