“Doesn’t this only work if we all hunker down?” ~ Gillian Behnke, Founder Momcamp
That was the question I saw this morning on my Facebook feed with respect to social-distancing. The answer is, unequivocally, yes. (Watch this video for a great visual representation of social distancing and how Covid-19 is spread.) However, since before quite recently, I’m not sure most people in Canada had ever heard the term.
So, it makes sense that there are a lot of questions surrounding what social distancing actually means. Yes, I get it as a concept but when put into context there are so many little decisions we are having to make each day for things that we never thought about before. I don’t have the answers; I’m figuring it out as I go like everyone else. But here are some situations I’ve encountered that might help you understand how others are interpreting what social distancing really means. It’s just one mom’s perspective.
For official advice and recommendations visit the Public Health Agency of Canada or the CDC (Center for Disease Control).
What to Do With Your Kids When Practicing Social Distancing
We had a family meeting this morning and made a list of all the things we could do to have fun and stay safe and healthy and respectful of our community. Here’s our list. Maybe it can help inspire one that works for your family:
- Clean house
- Play tennis
- Bake cookies and cakes
- Big hikes
- Bike ride
- Get backyard ready for summer
- Build a fort
- Paint pictures
- FaceTime family
- Play outside (in the back yard)
Social Distancing in Public Spaces
Yesterday I had to go to the pharmacy at the mall to pick up a prescription. I saw someone I knew and out of habit took a step closer to say hi. Then I remembered the new normal and took a step back. Was I too close? What was too close? Do I even know what a two-meter distance is at a glance? (The answer is about three arm lengths).
Here is what the BC Center for Disease Control Recommends.
Social Distancing at Playgrounds
(Updated on March 17 – things have changed a lot since I wrote this. Playgrounds are no longer recommended unless you are the only ones there.)
This is a tough one. I have been avoiding playgrounds for the last week. The thing is, they are probably just fine as long as the kids aren’t crammed into one small space like a playhouse or sharing a swing. They are outdoors for one thing which allows the virus to not settle for too long. Also, kids move so fast that they never spend enough time in one spot that they are likely fine. You may have the urge to wipe down the entire playground equipment with Lysol wipes first (if you have any). If that is important to your peace of mind, the power to you. You could also just wash your kids’ hands before, after and during the playground time. Up to you. 
Kids’ Birthday Parties
Two five-year-olds I know that were scheduled to have birthday parties today. One got canceled, the other went ahead but with an abundance of hand sanitizer. Is one decision better than the other? Small group gatherings have not been banned so a child’s birthday party in the family home with eight children and their parents should be fine. Right? There is no guideline for this. It is a judgment call.
Most likely, this is totally fine. But I would think many parents would not be comfortable with having their kids attend any gathering at this point. Not necessarily because they are afraid of getting sick, but because the whole point of social distancing is to work together to limit the transaction of the virus.
Spring Break Day Camps for Kids
I unenrolled my kids in the local recenter day camps they were supposed to attend next week during Spring Break. It would seem a bunch of other parents did the same because there are suddenly tons of openings in camps that had been full since November. But, I noticed pretty quickly that the spot I had made available for my daughter’s camp got filled. I could make that choice (despite only getting 50% of my money back) because my husband and I are lucky enough to be able to work from home. Not everyone has that option and were depending on day camps to be able to work so they can continue putting food on the table and a roof over the kids’ heads.
Everyone is doing the best they can. Judgment doesn’t help anyone. If you need to put your kids into childcare, if it is still open, so that you can continue to make ends meet that is what you have to do. Just talk to your kids about handwashing and ensure the facility is taking an abundance of caution to keep facilities clean and keep the kids away from public spaces.
How to Talk to Your Kids about COVID-19 (Coronavirus)
I first had to think about how to talk to my kids about Coronavirus in January when we were at Cost-co and they noticed people wearing masks on their faces.
They are your children and you know your unique family dynamics better than anyone. I think being honest without scaring them too much is the key.
Don’t overwhelm them with too much information. They need to know the truth but only in tiny clips. Keep the explanations clear and simple. Kids live in black and white reality most of the time so try not to be vague.
Try to keep it fun. You can also play handwashing games like singing their favourite songs while hand washing or making up a story about each corner of your hand.
It is an opportunity to teach and show empathy. Tell them about how you can help or about how others are helping neighbours and friends during this time. Talk about how the world is cooperating and coming together. My daughter asked, “even bad people?” I said, I would like to believe every single person is doing what they can for their families, communities, and humankind.
The CDC also has some recommendations on how to talk to kids about what is happening with COVID-19 and why our normal life routines have changed.
The bottom line, kids will take in how you react more than what you say. We are modeling for them, and perhaps imprinting for their life, how to handle a crisis. Remain calm, reassuring but vigilant about handwashing and cleanliness.
Perspectively Yours 