A few thoughts about grandchildren during the lock-down.
Over the last couple of months we've all been required to restrict our movements, practice "Social Distancing" and adopt other safety precautions to do our parts to help slow and end the spread of Covid-19.
The other night I was talking on the phone with my daughter who lives an hour away and have not seen her or her family since the lockdown started. She and her husband are BOTH on the "front line" as hospital emergency staffers.
Both as you can imagine have been very busy, stressed out, and working non-stop for the last 9 weeks.
Understandably, they are exhausted from the last couple of months of endlessly dealing with one COVID patient after another ensuring they get the best care possible. It's been tough for them physically and emotionally, though they've handled all of it admirably. I'm very proud of them both.
Further, they also have two children under the age of 4, so the juggling act in addition to their work since the Shut-Dow began would make P.T. Barnum proud. Sadly for us, we've not been able to do much to help them due to "Social Distancing" and other restrictions.
The Young Grandchildren During the Lock-down
While all of the precautions seem to be working, it has created a special problem. A problem that in particular affects the youngest members of many families. This includes my own, our youngest two grandchildren, they are under the age of 4 and of course have no idea why they are no longer seeing neighbors, aunts, uncles, and grandparents.
During our call with my daughter, she mentioned how much our grandson now enjoys being read to at night, something they tried to keep up with all that's going on, but is difficult some nights.
While grownups can all understand this situation, a 3-year-old will naturally find all of this very confusing and could easily make them feel isolated from their family. So it got me thinking.
She told me how much our grandson, like many little boys, loves trains, trucks, and of course "diggers." So, I decided to make a narrated video, upload it to YouTube and shared it with them for the boy to watch. I regret not having thought of it sooner.
I know we all have a lot on our collective plates at this time, but I urge you to do whatever you can to remain in touch with the youngest in your family. Reassurance is a powerful thing for little kids.
Send pictures, make a call, maybe do a Zoom Movie night and watch a cartoon together. Let them know you're ok and still part of their world, even when it seems things have changed.
Just my thoughts on it...
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