When COVID-19 hit in March, I had to assume caring for Mr. Pre-School and teaching Ms. First Grade. About two days in I thought to myself, “OK, I think I got the hang of this. Put in a solid day’s work. Maybe start dinner soon. But lemme just rest my weary bones, after all it’s … 1:24 p.m.!?!?!!" I realized at that moment that I faced the very real possibility that if the virus didn’t kill me, being the sole parental/educational figure in each of their lives would. To get through the day I had to find the fuel, and my personal options are limited. Coffee is a mirage for me – too many … [Read more...]
Pandemic Parenting ‘How To’ Videos to Help Your Family Get By
With school on winter recess and families hunkered down for what may be the toughest season yet in the world's COVID-19 crisis, this is a good time to brush up on your pandemic parentings skills. What are those? Motivating your children to exercise rather than plop down with the electronics. Keeping the little ones busy so you can do your work. Making online learning work for you and your kids. Our longtime partner Dove Men+Care has been overseeing a "Dads Care" campaign series of dad-written and -produced "how to" videos in 2020, many of which cover topics specific to parenting … [Read more...]
Will Santa Get COVID? An Exercise in Parental Fact Versus Fiction
So much of my parenting style centers on a delicate balance of fact versus fiction when explaining concepts, ideas, thoughts, feelings – just about anything – to my children. Example 1: “Dad, why is Mommy sad?” Fact: Daddy was a big jerk to Mommy after she had a tough day at the office. Fiction: “Mommy’s not sad, sweetie, just tired today.” Example 2: “Dad, why is my teacher so mean?” Fact: Ms. Smith is a lonely, unhappy soul whose only friends are her 12 cats. Fiction: “Ms. Smith isn’t mean. Like her or not, she’s the boss in class so you must figure out how to work with … [Read more...]
Parenting Self-Care Videos to Help You Get Your Groove Back
It's been a trying year for everyone, but parents with young children have been hit especially hard because of COVID-19. Schools replaced with remote learning, making moms and dads full-time teachers. Daycares closed. Playgroups forbidden. Playgrounds taped off. Youth sports canceled. Even the family vacation got scrubbed in 2020. If you haven't burned out yet, you're probably on the brink. The need for parents to practice self-care is greater than ever because of the added stress and demands on our time. Self-care isn't being selfish. It's ensuring you are healthy, relaxed and ready … [Read more...]
Child-Saving Vaccines of Past Worthy of Our Thanks During Pandemic
As Thanksgiving approaches, the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the calculus of what families might be thankful for this year. Those of us lucky enough to remain healthy and employed can focus on those two facts during this year’s feasts. But for many, it’s easy to feel there is little to be thankful for this year, given all that continues to be infected, affected or simply canceled — including many of those traditional feasts. In other words, cultivating a grateful mindset during this traditional season of thanks requires many us to dig deeper this year. For me, digging deep into history helps … [Read more...]
- 1
- 2
- 3
- …
- 15
- Next Page »