When I was a kid, my dad used to have us write essays as punishment. I remember having to write about family trips and other topics that I blocked out of my memory. I didn’t like it, but as an adult, I see how good of a punishment that was. Teach your children skills while also getting into their minds to see what they think. I am sure that helped with my writing skills today. Well, there you go parents, that’s a project suggestion for your kids while they are home.
I went for a walk the other day and it was sad seeing many businesses closed. It has been almost a month since the coronavirus lock down in the U.S. We all feel differently about it. Interesting fact: as of April 9th 2020, almost 17 million people in the U.S. have filled for unemployment claims. That is an exponential number. It makes it scary to think of what challenges families are experiencing. (Here are some resources to manage the distress and uncertainty of this time).
Seeing closed businesses during my walk, made me think about the employers and employees. I was reminded of something. There are two possible outcomes when this is all over.
- The first outcome is that we are disoriented and wouldn’t know where to start, how to get back into the swing of things. Some of us may be a little rusty on our skills and knowledge of our tasks.
- The second outcome is that we become stronger and we have innovative ideas about how to do our business or jobs. Some of us may grow more resilient and be more sharpened in our skills.
Or it may be a little combination of both. Whatever the outcome, what would you want for yourself? For your kids? I would guess that most of us will like to be more resilient and to have grown in some ways. But that means we need to be doing something now that will get us there. So, what are you going to do?
Now is the time to pray more, listen more, learn more, create more, do more of what you want to do. Our history books are going to talk about COVID-19. When you read those articles and future books, what would you want to remember about this time personally? Would you just want to say I watched more movies, I binged watched all seasons of…, I played video games…? I’m not saying you shouldn’t do any of those things. I’m saying that you can do more than that. How can you add to yourself as well? What would you want your family to say about this period, what about your kids, your spouse, your roommate, coworkers?
We grew closer in our relationship, he came back to work more motivated, she started her own business after this time. Daddy and I had some of the best times during that period. My relationship with God grew stronger. I learned so much about myself during that time. I read my Bible more. I read 10 books while I was home. What is it for you?
Quarantine season projects
I have my list of projects for myself and it almost seems like I am busier than I used to be. If you are in that boat, which I know some people are, maybe you need some self-care. Give yourself time to rest!
For anyone out there thinking about things to do, below are some ideas of projects you can take on.
Individual projects: What skills have you wanted to acquire for school, work, or personally? What can you learn from an online website or YouTube?
- Come up with a list of books you want to read and start reading
- Learn how to knit or crochet and make several scarves, hats, or socks to donate to those in need
- Are you trying to advance your degree? This is a good time to study for the GRE or MCAT or whatever. Write application essays.
- Do more research on what you want to do
- Explore walking around your neighborhood or your town
- What’s on your bucket list? What can you do now?
Kids projects: It can be tough having your kids at home all day. The balance between caring for them while getting your own rest can be difficult. One great thing about kids is that they are so full of ideas. This could be a time to run with a few of their ideas and let them create some of their own projects.
- Ask them for 2 projects they want to do. Become their project manager as they create their end product and present it to the family.
- Have them read a short story each week and write an essay about it.
- Think of their interests and skills and find online resources to strengthen them. For example, art projects, math projects, interest in nature, etc. Here are some free resources.
- If you are running out of ideas, think about your own daily tasks that you do for them. Some things kids (and many adults) need to learn are basic life skills such as cooking, washing and folding laundry, making up their beds, organizing their rooms, sewing, knitting, writing by hand, reading out loud/presenting to an audience, how to do a budget. Pick a day of the week and have them practice at least one skill each day.
Projects with your spouse: One unanticipated effect of the lock down is the rise in domestic violence in various countries. This is heart-breaking. It reminds me that romantic relationships cause some of the most heightened emotions we could ever experience especially now that you both are stuck at home 24/7. Think of ways to both build your closeness while allowing space to be alone.
- Do weekly home date nights. Try a different theme each time.
- Try some with another couple virtually just like you would go visit them
- Play board games, card games, video games together
- Think of some couples projects to do, maybe something you’ve been talking about doing for a long time. Here is your chance!
- Go for walks, bike rides, go outside
- Write down a list of “get to know you” questions and spend some evenings asking each other (and listening non-judgmentally)
- Remember to reach out to your friends just because and to talk through your issues
Family projects: By family here, I am referring to physical family, church family, or friend/community group. Although family may not all be physically in the same place, you can do virtual family gatherings.
- Home debates. My parents used to make us do this as a family when we were kids. They were fun.
- Family coloring parties. My family and I just did this the past week virtually. It was cool.
- Family karaoke
- Family dance parties. In many African households, dance happens spontaneously. Throw yourself a dance party!
- Other family activities such as playing games, movie nights, family devotionals, etc
Tomorrow is Easter. What a perfect time to commemorate why we celebrate Easter. If you have only heard of the story of Jesus, but you don’t know the details, this is a great time to read about it in the Bible. Start here! And as you read, teach it to your children.
Thank you for this post. It was very nourishing. I had begun doing some of the activities you mentioned, but I learned other ideas as well. Thank you once again.
Fantastic suggestions I only read this now. Personally I am busy preparing online courses for my students. That”s the method of teaching that the virus has imposed on German schools & universities…I can’t wait to get this behind me…yes I also realise that the period after the crises will come with a load of challenges… her again your suggestions are useful thanks a thousand prof.
Tatiana, you are welcome. I’m glad it gave you more ideas 😀
Bridget, all the best teaching online… I’m sure it is not easy.