We are all experiencing loss during this pandemic, and our kids are no exception. They too feel the personal loss of life the way they knew it. We as parents are not only navigating life through our own feelings of loss, but also taking on our children's emotions as they experience loss.
Loss of school, teachers, friendships, sports and activities, church, community, awards and accomplishments, graduation and celebrations, events they had been looking forward to, routines and structure. Our kids are also experiencing great loss.
What is this doing to our kids? Will they look back on 2020 and remember the loss, hardships, stress, fear, change, and uncertainty? Or will they remember simpler times, the love and security of their family, courage and strength, growth and responsibility, and fun projects and learning at home?
With 2 working parents during COVID 19, my kids haven't done perfectly with all this online crisis schooling, but we have focused on growing them in other ways. When they go back to school in the Fall, they will be stronger and better equipped for having gone through something that was challenging. They will have learned new skills, developed a new appreciation for the things they previously took for granted, and will be kinder to those around them. They may not have learned all the things that would have prepared them for the STAAR test, but they learned how to play together, entertain themselves, make their own lunch, and maintain a home.
My oldest daughter has learned to cook and do all the household chores. She loves her new sense of independence and responsibility and what a help it has been to come home to empty laundry baskets! She has also developed a love for fishing and riding her bike. She even went on a 13 mile bike ride with me as I ran a virtual 1/2 marathon. Our youngest has also learned some new skills and has enjoyed more time at home, as she is definitely more of a home-body.
These quieter months have provided more time for family walks and bike rides, visits with our neighbors, time spent with grandparents and cousins, projects around the house, studying things like tadpoles, frogs and birds, creativity, independence, responsibility, grace, and kindness.
This season is definitely challenging as our rhythms and routines have been wrecked. I'm a planner, and things have not gone as planned. We've all had to learn to adapt and grow as we've navigated our way through this global pandemic. Our kids have watched as we have led the way through these times of uncertainty. Our example has shaped the way that they too have had to cope with the change.
Will our kids look back on 2020 through the lens of loss or gain? Disappointment or joy? Uncertainty or security? It's all about perspective. What perspective are you modeling to your kids?
Be the light. Be the example your kids need during this time of uncertainty. Use this time to focus on what truly matters. Choose joy. Talk to your kids about navigating this time with courage. Talk about the things they miss while focusing on a new found appreciation for the people and things they once took for granted. Learn and grow together. Be productive with your time while also enjoying the simpleness of this quiet season.
Our kids are going to be okay. We are all going to be okay.
As we go into week 9 of this new way of life, focus on your perspective. Take this lemon that we have been given and turn it into lemonade.
Stay well friends. ~ Allison
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