5: 13, will you play with me?
13: In a minute.
5: Alexa, set a timer for one minute.
#kidstoday #alexa #shitkidssay
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The novel coronavirus has turned our world upside down. But, in some moments of calm, we may be able to see that the world’s response to the pandemic has also provided, as
this article calls them
, some small but critical blessings. Like the author, let’s start with the disclaimer that these blessings accrue to those of us with enough privilege to enjoy them: jobs, financial stability, homes, and healthy loved ones by our sides, among other things. With that caveat, perhaps we can then begin to better appreciate some of what this social lockdown has wrought: mid-day walks with our children, frequent breaks from work, and lengthier-and-sunnier-than-usual conversations with neighbors from six-feet away. There is also the profound “fox-hole intimacy in sharing a single experience” with everyone we know. We’d never wish for this pandemic. But it’s here. And we have no choice but to cope the best way we can. Finding a few silver linings is not a bad place to start.
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Like the story above about silver linings, we were similarly struck by
this piece from Outside magazine
that looked to environmentalism – and two of its most distinguished advocates – for lessons amid the coronavirus outbreak. And there are a few good ones. Like learning to see social distancing and shrinking our personal orbits as acts “of both compliance and care.” As the writer elegantly says, “the coronavirus teaches us, as deep ecology always has, to consider when our individual deeds might ripple out and harm the whole. In every case, our sustainability relies on our affection and care for what surrounds us.” Yes, it’s hard to stay home. It’s hard to do all the things on our own. It’s really hard not to hug our friends. But maybe if we can see these things as acts that are much bigger than ourselves, they’ll become a little bit easier to bear.
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In the pandemic era, online shopping is starting to feel as much a part of the day as brushing our teeth and preparing dinner. But, should it? Perhaps it makes sense to hit pause for a second and think through all this covid consumerism – do you
really
need another face cream, Lego set for your kiddo or a new pair of flip flops (or whatever else you’re buying to pass the time or survive it)? And do you
really
need them
now
?
This guide from the New York Times
suggests a few useful ways to think through those purchases before hitting the “complete order” button. It’s worth a read. It may save you some money, help save someone else’s business and keep us all a little safer.
And then, instead of that extra lego set, how about you make something yourself? You and your littles can take a jaunt outside to collect sticks and twigs to
make this delightful DIY wind chime
. The process should be a win-win for everyone: fresh air, time in nature, a bit of a treasure hunt, and then, while the kids paint, you do whatever else it is you haven’t yet had time to do. We’re liking it already…
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send some love to a new or expecting parent to support them during COVID-19
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