Life has changed, and the realities of life during the COVID-19 pandemic are starting to sink in. Parents are juggling working from home, the regular tasks of running a household, taking care of and educating their children. It’s a huge load and there needs to be much grace and give. We need to have realistic expectations of ourselves, schooling our children and work.
In this time, keeping things as simple as possible and focussing on what is important helps to foster peace and calm in our lives. Give yourself grace, patience and time as this new way of life sinks in.
Here are 5 more ideas to help you connect and learn with your children in everyday moments, that you may wish to include in your everyday rhythm.
6. Plant a garden
As the days get cooler, one of our favourite activities at this time of year, is to get into the garden and plant out some winter veggies. Another idea is to make a new garden with your child and plant some flowers, depending on the season.
Pottering in the garden is such a beautiful way to enjoy fresh air, exercise, connection with nature and others. It also brings us into a place of nurture and mindfulness as we slow down and focus on the small simple joys.
What will you plant in your garden?
7. Create a story map together
Stories take us on a journey; we can walk in the shoes of the characters and experience their adventures, joys and sorrows. One way we like to respond to the stories that we read is to create a story map. Sometimes we do this together as a family with a large piece of butcher’s paper. We retell the story and draw up a map of their journey together, then we each take a section to draw or colour in. Sometimes we do this individually and create our own unique map of a story that we read together. Using creativity to respond to stories, provides the time and opportunity to connect with the story.
8. Nature notebooking – examples and ideas:
‘Look deep into nature and there you will understand everything better.’ Albert Einstein.
Taking the time to study intently and peer into nature changes us. We slow down, focus and develop skills in observing. We like to keep nature notebooks and record our findings through drawings and paintings. We will explore either on a nature walk, in the backyard, at the beach or a park. Often, we photograph what we find or bring it inside to look deeply and record it creatively into our nature notebooks.
What will you find today?
9. Learn a poem together
Choose a poem to learn together as a family. Filling your child’s heart and mind with wholesome words can bring life and goodness. Although this can prove challenging and may require a lot of perseverance (for both children and adults!), it will bring you closer together. Choose a piece that is simple and that will be enjoyed by everyone. Learn it slowly, one new line each day or so. You could even add actions to help memorizing. We often practice our piece at mealtimes and take as long as we need until we can say it together. In the end, it brings a wonderful sense of achievement and builds family memories and relationships.
10. Construction
My children have spent hours of time creating all sorts of constructions with a collection of odds and ends from around the house This is a fabulous rainy day (or self-isolation) inside activity. Keep a box of odds and ends (string, lids, boxes, cartons, rolls, screws, buttons, sticks, cardboard, etc) and have your child make something of their own. Some children may need a little more help with ideas than others. It might be a home or car for their favourite doll, a cash register to make a shop or a teddy train. Help your child think of an idea, draw up a design and find suitable odds and ends to build it with. A few weeks ago, my sons were interested in the International Space Station that passed over our sky, and Mr 7 decided to build a model from various items that he found.
Which idea will you try in your home first? Give yourself time and space as you slowly fall into a new way of life in these times. Relax, enjoy your children and remember to make time to care for yourself!
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