It’s been less than a week since our school shut its doors. We homeschool anyway, but our children participate in several extra-curricular activities that they are definitely missing right now! Of course, they are going a little stir-crazy and I would imagine that those parents who don’t homeschool might be close to losing it! How can we make a difference when we’re just trying to stay alive? Is there a way to stay sane?
In times like these, it’s easy to focus on myself: my own feelings, my own needs that aren’t being met, and my own frustrations. And that’s just moms! But how can we expect our children to handle all of these changes differently? Maybe we all need to be “repurposed.”
So, what can we do? First, take a deep breath, a step back, and look around. Most of us could say we have things really easy if we take that step back. While our children may be driving us nuts right now, there are people who are so lonely, who would love to just hear from someone–anyone! But with social distancing measures in place, what can you actually do?
Five Ways Your Kids Can Make a Difference in Someone’s Life During Crisis:
- Contact Your Local Nursing Home—I asked our local nursing home if we could make pictures for the residents and drop them off to be distributed. They said, “YES, PLEASE!” So, my little artists are hard at work. My youngest daughter also loves stringing beads, so we may include a few bracelets. We don’t know a single resident there personally right now, but I know their work will be appreciated regardless!
- Call an Elderly Friend or Relative—Ask if you can get them anything. It is better for them to stay out of the grocery stores and pharmacies at this point. Better yet, ask your kids to think of things that older people might need or extra things that might brighten their day (my kids came up with magazines, books, and puzzles). We had some extras lying around and were able to deliver them to some of our elderly friends and neighbors. Or, one mom I know set a bunch of books, games and puzzles out on her doorstep with an invitation to take them–it’s easy and it might make stay-at-home orders more fun for another family!
- Send Videos—not only for grandparents! As young children, my brothers and I often recorded a cassette tape singing songs to our relatives. They would listen to it and record a message of their own and mail it back. How far technology has come! You probably already send messages to out-of-state grandparents or other relatives, but could your kids record a message for the residents at a senior living center? Is there someone who normally attends your church who could use some encouragement during this time? Send a video with an uplifting message from your kids!
- Give an Outdoor Concert–Do your kids sing or play an instrument that can be easily transported? I called our assisted living facility and scheduled to play on the patio outside of the cafeteria! The residents can hear the singing through the sound system and see the kids through the window! I’m so excited to do this!
- Send Cards to Patients at the Hospital—A friend told me that her sister is really sick. She has cancer for at least the second time and it is unresponsive to treatment. She may have been exposed to the virus and through tears, she told her sister, “I’m going to die all alone in a hospital bed if I get this.” We can’t visit patients in the hospital right now, but we can send mail! We are cutting out big yellow suns and painting rainbows to give to those in the hospital without visitors. It’s amazing what a simple, “You’re Not Forgotten” can do for people!
What purpose can your family find in all of this? These are unprecedented times—a great time to minister to each other. There is great joy in throwing your self off and thinking about those who have less right now. These are all things that kids can do! Get them on board and change the world one person at a time!