Here are 5 Powerful Things I’ve Learned From My Kids During the First Week of Quarantine
It feels surreal that we’re about to start week two of Quarantine for COVID-19 in NH. (Yes, technically I guess we started this morning, but for most parents I feel like Monday morning is when it feels like it REALLY starts.)
As I think about the first week of quarantine, bracing myself for week two of only heaven knows how long of a quarantine session, I’m trying to focus on the incredible learning experience this is as a family. Here are five powerful things that I learned from my kids during the first week of quarantine.
1 .) The Power of Positivity: Despite the unknown disruption to our three children’s schedules, the smiles are still present. For the twins, routine is key to happiness, and they’ve had to find moments of unexpected happiness in dealing without a solid routine.
2.) The Power of Great Leaders: Each morning, when Jack expected to be able to school, particularly near the beginning of the week, his first response each time I explained he wouldn’t be able to go, was the same: “But Miss Kelly will miss me”, followed by “and Miss Shannon and Miss Sabrina” - in the order he sees his teachers each day. The first thing he misses when he realizes he can’t go to school are the incredible educators who would have taught him something new that day. He misses their lessons, their kindness, their encouragement, and their friendship.
3.) The Power of the Bubble: I will admit, my wife and I have probably tuned into the news far more in the last few weeks then we have in the last few years. Not due to lack of interest, but more due to the children dictating what goes on the television. However, this week, each episode of the World News with David Muir has been saved to our DVR, and as often as we can we’ve been tuned into the Corona Virus task force updates. Like so many, it’s weighed heavily on our hearts as we comprehend what’s going on in the world today. But, as heavy as it is, the moment the news is off, our children pull us back into our bubble, demanding a juice box or a story to be read; asking to play hide and seek, or play with “sea animals” (Luca). Our amazing little bubble, the one that if we can just protect, keep safe, and keep surviving for, keeps us grounded enough to keep moving forward.
4.) The Power of Simplicity: The incredible parents who have tackled homeschooling their children with flair and pintrest worthiness, I say: KUDOS. I’m thoroughly impressed by the many videos and images being posted of all the intricate activities and lesson plans parents are pulling off, WHILE working, mind you. Ya’ll… I am not going to lie: even WITH help this week, I did not get any homeschooling done. We took the week off. Luca wasn’t feeling well for the first few days, I was trying to educate Jack that working from home for Mommy meant that Mommy actually had to work, while keeping a Toddler entertained. We were lucky to have smiling faces each day. What was amazing was that the kids didn’t really care. They liked that we kept it simple and gave them choices. And although our amazing nanny is ready and willing to get us on track for homeschooling tomorrow, I have a feeling we will maintain the “keep it simple” mentality - for both the kids, and ourselves. If I’m not careful, I’ll get overwhelmed and waste time worrying about what I can control. But if I keep it simple, focus on the tasks at hand like getting my hours in for work, getting the kids onto a new routine, and just making sure the conversation has important lines of communication stay open to address needs from everyone, I feel like we can at least survive one more week. (Let’s hope!)
5.) The Power of Friendship: Even for our introverted boy, it’s beyond clear that he misses the companionship of his friends. Although Jack and Alli have each other, and have been truly enjoying their new classmates, they each miss their own people outside of this house hold. For the twins, Facetime does not cut it. Don’t get me wrong, we’ve Facetimed almost any and everyone we could, and they are thrilled to see themselves on the camera. Each time we get off the phone, particularly with those they really miss, they say it isn’t the same. Just today, Jack said to me how he missed two friends, because they were “nice to him”. They miss the feeling of being with someone you care about does for your heart. And although we’re grateful for technology that keeps us connected to those we care about, I can’t wait to see the faces of these kids when they get to be reunited with those that warm their hearts. I feel like it’s going to be epic!
What powerful lessons did you learn this week? Feel free to share! Would love to learn from yours too!