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...]
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...]
No Matter Your Game, Sports Bring Families Together During Hard Times
I’ve been wrong about something. There’s not much unusual about that but, sadly, I was judgmental in my wrongness. I probably even judged you. First, a quick story - which for me is oxymoronic - but I’ll try ... The Cincinnati Reds are in the World Series and it’s the night of the fourth game. These are the 1990 wire-to-wire Reds and they are putting the whomp on the A’s. I am working tables at a high-end restaurant on the second level of a downtown Cincinnati hotel. Delmonico’s at The Westin, or Del’s as everyone calls it, has floor-to-ceiling windows that look down upon our lovely … [Read more...]
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