Hi. You doing OK?

Life has suddenly changed and it’s a lot to process.

As we all scramble to adjust to a new way of living for an uncertain period of time, it made me think about the rules we embraced at a school I worked at when I was an elementary school teacher:

Take care of yourself.

Take care of each other.

Take care of this place.

I started reflecting on what these words mean and how to embrace them during this crazy time.

TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF

We hear it every time we get on an airplane (and countless other industries have copied the language), but there is so much truth in “Put your own oxygen mask on first.” You can’t possibly give to others when you are feeling depleted, so make sure you are doing whatever it is you need to do to take care of yourself. Here are some ideas that don’t require leaving the house:

• sip a favorite beverage as you talk on the phone with a friend

• FaceTime or video conference with family members

• take a bubble bath

• send a card or letter to someone you haven’t seen in a while

• paint your nails

• take a nap

• practice a new hobby

• stretch/move every single day

• do a crossword puzzle

• browse old photo albums

• listen to a podcast

• learn a new art form - paint, draw, take photos, dance

• clean out that damn pile in the office (oh wait, am I the only one who takes immense pleasure in all things decluttering and organization?!)

TAKE CARE OF EACH OTHER

Start with the people living in your house. Establish a routine to help add a sense of structure to the days. Here is an example of how my days will loosely be structured starting Monday (don’t let the times fool you; I’m sure it will be off the rails by Tuesday):

Check on neighbors, especially those who are elderly to see if they need anything. Give your partner a break by taking the kids out to the backyard or engaging in an activity with them while she/he rests. If that isn’t an option, a bit more screen time for the kids so mama/papa can recharge is totally appropriate. The following links are just some of the many resources that are currently floating around the internet to help spark ideas on things to do with kids at home:

Giant List of Ideas for Being Home with Kids

List of Virtual Museums To Visit

22 Super Duper Things to Do with Kids at Home

Education Companies Offering Free Subscriptions

TAKE CARE OF THIS PLACE

In my elementary school, this referred to the school grounds and the school community as a whole. We can take care of our community at large by practicing social distancing, by hosting virtual parties with friends as a way to stay connected, and by sharing kindness and a warm smile (from a safe 6 foot distance) when we do need to run out for necessities only.

As someone who works with children in different capacities, it’s important for us to remain calm and reassuring (even when it feels like things are a hot mess). Be sure to let children express their feelings and listen openly. Offer information that reassures them and lets them know you are keeping them safe. Be honest with them and explain how we are all working together to keep each other healthy and safe.

Please let me know if there is anything I can do to support you. Staying connected is going to be so important, so please know I am only a DM / blog comment / email / phone call away.

Sending the biggest virtual hugs,

Lori