The Beginning of Days… and Days.
Take this w/ a grain of salt from a regular ass dad and educator thinking in advance about the coming days/weeks ahead. I also recognize that this list and suggestions are written from a place of privilege. I have internet, computers, televisions, and resources to purchase items and job with flexibility. I do not take these things for granted. Ultimately, there are no guidelines to this, and we need to allow ourselves some grace here. It’s going to be challenging once the novelty wears off. It’s going to be some shit as the media recognizes the power of having ALL of our attention and once the leadership finally decides to act… but politics aside, here are a few tips to consider in the coming days/weeks/months. Grace; you’re no teacher, your living space isn’t equipped to educate all damn day… but you’re a hard working parent who cares; you and don’t want your kid to be in reckless abandon for 40 days and 40 nights. Again… seriously… parents & caretakers, give yourself grace in this unprecedented situation, and take care of yourselves.
1. Reality. Rules. Relax. – Talk to your kids about what’s REALLY going on. Talk about the virus; the news; the alerts. Don’t lie to them. They can handle it; probably better than you. They also may provide some comedic relief. They may be scared, but a little fear is OK, and may encourage further questions and conversations. Be prepared to answer all questions. Be honest; even if your answer is “I don’t know.” Set rules and expectations about the upcoming days; and be prepared to break those rules because… THIS IS GOING TO BE HARD! If you can’t keep a schedule; if you’re struggling to do your OWN work; if you’re overwhelmed by the news; if your spouse is getting on your nerves…. It’s OK. Grace is the key to all of this. Don’t insert stress or expectation into an already stressful and anxiety-ridden situation. You gon’ be aiight.
2. 30 for 30 - Think of your kids awake time in 30-60 minute chunks (of course considering their age). Try to dedicate a portion of each hour to academics or productivity (reading, math worksheets, drawing, coloring, creative writing etc). Depending on your child’s age consider a 45/15 or 30/30 school/play breakdown of the hour. You know them best! Try your best to provide your kids the structure they are used to in school… but remember… you are not a teacher or educator. Do your best. Give yourself grace and don’t lose your mind trying to recreate your school in your house. Check out this resource -
b. Cool Reads: Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You: A Remix of the National Book Award-winning Stamped from the Beginning
c. Cool Reads - Lies My Teachers Told Me: Young Reader’s Edition
3. Proactive Play – Make sure your kids know that you WILL play w/ them, but that it’s not necessarily a “free” day or a random weather day. Give them something to look forward to by scheduling 2-3 times each day where you’ll play a game, go for a walk, hit the playground, etc. This allows them to manage expectations and YOU, mom/dad, to get your work done. They’re going to get on your nerves, though… sooooo there’s that.
4. Prep for TV & Tech Time – Sounds crazy right? The truth is; it’s going to be hard to keep your kids away from the tech and the tube if they are home all day for 2-4 weeks. My rule at our house is: the TV is not the baseline distraction. The television is an accessory. Consider cool or hip documentaries and series on Netflix, your cable company or YouTube. In the event you are unable to leave the house for days or weeks at a time, Connect4, Monopoly and Go-fish ain’t gonna hold you down. Here are a few docs your kids will appreciate (age appropriate, of course).
c. The 13th
d. Power of Greyskull: The Definitive History of He-Man and the Masters of the Universe
5. These damn kids – You love your kids. You really do. I promise. But the way that our society is set up; most of us don’t spend all day/e’ry day with them. We usually have the respite of work, the distraction of sports or other activities. But for the foreseeable future, you’re going to be spending much more time with them. Ain’t no more breaks. This may not be fun for some of you. Again, have grace with and forgive yourself when you have thoughts of kicking your kids in the back, or plucking them in the throat. Just me? Ok.
Again, this is not researched; this is just my take; and much of this may change. Consider this volunteer (or mandatory) lockdown an opportunity; something you GET to do, instead of something you HAVE to do. This time is definitely something you and your kids will remember forever. No pressure though. Grace, remember! You got this!