Has your child expressed unhappiness at being unable to see their friends? Do you feel like your family is missing out on major life moments? Staying connected during the pandemic not only requires resilience, but also creativity. Research has shown that children who do well during times like this have strong adults in their lives as a support system. TLC is here to help you and your family stay connected during this unprecedented time with September’s monthly theme of “Creative Connections.” Technology can help form and maintain meaningful connections
- Help your child call/video call a friend or relative. Instead of a group call, your child will be able to have an intimate conversation about their day.
- Set up virtual story time with grandparents or another relative. Decide on a book ahead of time so that both groups can follow along.
- Virtual playdates can be filled with fun questions or activities, or include play with similar toys and games.
- Take advantage of free online resources like social groups and blogs. You are not alone.
- Connect your kids to on demand interactive online classes and activities, like this free “Live from the Living Room!” – https://www.care.com/explore/online
Get creative!
- Drawing helps develop your child’s fine motor skills. Have them design a postcard to send to a relative.
- Make a craft together and drop it off in a friend’s mailbox. Not only is this a kind gesture, but it also allows you to spend quality time together. Here’s a great example: https://coffeeandcarpool.com/flower-kindness-craft/.
- Pick smooth rocks to paint or write messages on. Leave your “kindness rocks” in friends’ and neighbors’ yards while out on walks.
- Use chalk to leave messages in your driveway or on the sidewalk to say hello to strangers or friends.
Other ideas:
- Open up the windows and say hello to the postal worker, delivery driver, or family walking down the street. Remember to stay at least six feet away.
- Take your child on an “alphabet drive” around your neighborhood. Have them find the letters of the alphabet in order on different signs.
- Look through photo albums as a family. Build your child’s expressive language skills by asking them what’s going on in the picture.