Connection at Home

"Try to do one thing each day that can’t be undone."

It's been 160 days. Over 5 months of trying to squeeze our whole lives into one house. I must admit I have noticed that as the months of COVID have continued on, without an end in sight, I have more and more moments of disconnect. There are times, when I just want to zone out in front of the TV or scroll mindlessly on social media. So I do! And then I remember something my Grandmother told me. She said, try to do one thing each day that can’t be undone. She wasn’t talking about cleaning or organizing, she was talking about connecting. Spending time with your children, listening to them, being present and making simple memories are the things that will remain forever. So here are a few of the easy things we have been doing to connect and enjoy this gift of time together, without ever leaving home.

Read a book
My kids love to read or listen to a book. While we are at home we have been reading lots of books out loud together. Many of the classics are readily available electronically through your local library. It’s fun to introduce my kids to books I enjoyed when I was young. If you have a reluctant reader/listener, try a “library lunch.” Read a book while everyone eats their food!

Bake something
It just feels like a good time to bake together. Find a new recipe online, or dig out an old family favorite. Measuring out the ingredients counts as homeschool math...right?

Have a picnic
Preparing 3 meals a day at home can make mealtime monotonous. But a picnic is a surefire way to mix things up. Of course, eating outside is always nice, but if the weather isn’t cooperating, or you don’t have a private outdoor space consider an indoor picnic. Spread a blanket on the floor and eat in your child’s bedroom, or put a sheet over the dining table to create a tent and eat inside it. 

Throw a “house” party
If your family is missing social gatherings, throw a party at home. Make up a reason to celebrate or have a good old-fashioned tea party. Plan the menu, make the decorations out of things you already have at home, and pick out the perfect party playlist. Consider inviting stuffed animals, dolls, and other assorted toys as your guests.

Have an at-home sleepover 
Make bedtime fun, by having a sleepover at home. My kids love sleeping in each other’s rooms, and this is a great time to allow that. Or gather up your sleeping bags and blow up the air mattress and have the whole family sleep together in the living room. Your kids will love it!

At a time like this when so much seems out of our control, prioritizing connection with our kids is so important. Try to set aside a bit of time each day to connect with your kids and make a memory that cannot be undone.

​