I like control and I like knowing what’s happening and I like alone time. This season of social distancing with toddlers has consisted of zero time alone for me and has often been exhausting.
How has this season’s quarantine affected your schedule?
My schedule looked a lot different several weeks ago. I worked part-time while my kids went to Mother’s Day Out two days a week, I attended Thursday morning Bible study, we had regular playdates with friends. Then we were quarantined. No Mother’s Day Out, Thursday morning Bible study ended, no playdates with friends. Work continued, but shifted to doing teletherapy via my computer (a definite challenge since I live and work with very young children). My husband, TJ, started working from home full-time and we began figuring out the quarantine balance...with toddlers.
We have by no means mastered balancing this season, but I have been determined to thrive in this time instead of just survive it.
Here are a few things that have been helpful during this unforeseen time of togetherness that could be applied even if you don’t live with littles:
Routine
Creating a routine for our days at home has been beyond helpful. Everyone then knows what to expect which helps keep some tantrums and whining at bay. Breakfast, get dressed, brush teeth, activity, snack, play outside/inside, lunch, rest time, etc. My kids love a good “nack”, as Jack calls them. So, if I can tell them we will have a snack after we finish our activity, they seem to do better knowing what’s coming. Maybe because they are my kids and I’m an enneagram one, but this works well for us on weekdays.
Something to look forward to
For me, this has been a walk. We have gone on at least one walk almost every day of the quarantine. Some days it’s been two and most days one walk has been with TJ. We all look forward to getting outside and exploring our neighborhood together everyday. Our walks have looked different: some short, most long, some focused on nature, some quiet, all focused on moving and getting fresh air. We have to get out of the house!
Try something new
Don’t be afraid to try something new or let your kids get messy! This one takes a little more time (and patience ha!) but totally worth it. We made homemade dog treats for Luna, our beloved 11 year old black lab. My kids were SO excited. They love our Luna Bear and love “helping” in the kitchen. I’ll be honest with you, it was a bit stressful, incredibly messy, and totally worth it. Lyla and Jack were so excited to give their puppy homemade treats. Not something we do everyday, but so fun!
Utilize available resources
There are so many great and free resources that are available right now, starting with our very own children’s ministry. Go to https://www.councilroad.church/preschool and follow directions on how to access kids connection activities. There are also some other great resources like Busy Toddler, Camp Castle's free printables, school district distance learning resources, and Pinterest...just to name a few.
Marco Polo/Facetime/Zoom
Technology has been a great way to visually connect with those we can no longer regularly see in person. You can send Marco Polo videos to friends, Facetime with Grandma, and do Zoom meetings with extended family members. Everyone in our house has looked forward to these moments of connection when we aren’t getting to regularly see those we love.
I’ll be honest, these things have helped most of our quarantine days run smoother. However (like I wrote earlier), I like control and I like knowing what’s happening and I like alone time. This season of social distancing has at times been exhausting and has consisted of zero alone time for me. I have lost my temper and had to ask for forgiveness on multiple occasions. But, oh, how He forgives and allows us to start fresh every single day. Lamentations 3:22-23 (ESV) says, “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
We’re in this together...while we’re apart. Let’s reach out to our community, utilize available resources, and pray. Pray for your family while you wash the 500th dish in your sink. Pray for your neighbors as you get your mail. Pray for the healthcare workers as you brush your teeth and wash your hands. Pray for your children as you prepare those activities and cut those strawberries. Pray for our church family as we join together to watch our Sunday services or when you do Zoom calls with your Home Group.
While there may be moments when we feel like all we can do is just survive this quarantine, let’s aim for more. We can thrive during this season. Are you with me?
Meet the Author!
Casey Yates is a wife, mom, daughter, sister, friend and speech-language pathologist. Casey loves all things Christmas, British historical fiction, walks, pie and coffee. Lots of coffee.
