Parenting, however, has NOT been cancelled.

This is temporary - it really is.

It may not feel like it right now.
Schools are closing and you're wondering what the kids are going to do, how you're going to work, keep everyone healthy, pay bills, and on and on...

Times are uncertain but yet we live with uncertainty all the time.
This just feels amplified - so much is out of our knowing and control.

How do you handle the uncertainty and stay steady for your kids?

Some ideas:
1. ADULT ENERGY - Kids (especially littles) soak up our energy - if you're anxious, disappointed, worried or frustrated - your kids are going to feel your energy and their behavior will reflect it. Practice all the things you know about calming yourself - exercise, good food, sunshine, breathing...

2. ADULT TALK - Are your kids overhearing your conversations and speculation? Yes, talk to them about what's happening in an age-appropriate way -- but watch how much extra talk they're being exposed to: news playing on repeat in the background, radio in the car, phone conversations with friends. 

3. DO GOOD - There is a lot of worry right now. How can you spread some joy (which helps others but helps you feel better, too)...extra smile for the grocery checker, pay for your cancelled appointment anyway, take soup to a neighbor, call someone... so many ways to ease (even for a moment) your worry.

TAKE THE OPPORTUNITY!
I was sequestered with my dad for 10 days during and post-Hurricane Harvey. I wanted to get HOME but that was impossible. The alternative to feeling frustrated and worried? Settle in, play cards, read, ENJOY the time with my dad without all the distractions of real life.
Looking back, I see how precious and unique that time was.

How will you look back on these days?
Take the opportunity to do some of the things you think you never have time for:
1. Play board games - even the long ones! 
2. Do puzzles (5,000 pieces anyone?!)
3. Cardboard, markers, scissors and tape never fail.
4. Make forts, eat in them, sleep in them.
5. Make that new recipe - bake bread (it takes a long time to bake bread!)
6. Pull out all the art supplies - paint, draw, make.
7. Encourage your teen to learn a new skill (youtube), learn how to repair something, etc.

CREATE A ROUTINE
One day without a routine can feel delicious - but many more than that can feel overwhelming and haphazard.  Create a loose schedule for you and the kids, in hour-long chunks and follow it.
 Be sure to get FRESH AIR and SUNSHINE every single day!
REACH OUT
This is an opportunity to send letters to others, make cards with the kids, let that single neighbor know that you've got their back if they need groceries or other supplies. Call that friend who lives alone. Create online gatherings (we'll be singing online this weekend!)

THIS IS WHAT TAKING CARE OF EACH OTHER LOOKS LIKE
Closing schools, cancelling trips...all of it is inconvenient... for everyone. YET, by taking these measures, we are taking care of each other...  

BECAUSE IN THE END ALL WE HAVE IS LOVE.
We can take all the precautions, do all the things, and yet, in the end, there will only be the love that we've shown ourselves and others. The love that we share with our kids and families and community. 

LOVE STEADY, MY FRIENDS, LOVE STEADY.
THIS will change us forever - but this moment is temporary.

Connect to your calm,
I love you,
Janet

P.S. If you're struggling with any aspect of this, reply to this email - I'm here.

This is Post #1 - Coping with Coronavirus