The psychological impact on kids during social distancing (babysit, method, ideas)

[wac_432]

We're fine but I have no idea how single parents or couples with no SAHP are managing.

[nobodysbusiness]

Literature is packed with stories of people born during TERRIBLE times, and the character that was developed.

This mollycoddling by parents has been detrimental to children. Maybe some alone time will assist them in connecting with their true spirits.

[MillennialUrbanist]

I think many people continue socializing in small groups (less than 10) of low-risk people, in a private home or maybe in a park. And they simply hope the government doesn't find out. At least until it starts tracking your phone in the name of "safety" ; then just leave it at home. It is what it is. <shrug>

Originally Posted by mainebrokerman

imagine the kids a 100 yrs ago who had to work on the farm just to eat...

Apples and oranges! Kids worked on a farm in groups---large groups of a lot more than 10 people---where the socialization and the physical work was far more useful than the pathetic Common Core they teach in schools these days.

[PamelaIamela]

Originally Posted by ElectricCadet

I think small pockets of social gatherings would be what most people do. For instance maybe a family will come to agreement with another family that their kids will play together but will not have other playgroups. I know its hard to do but it is feasible.

Excellent idea.
I've considered creating an isolated 'node' of me+so and another trusted couple of self isolates.
As long as you all are healthy after two weeks you can add another couple you trust to the node.
Then you can have a nice dinner party or play cards or pickleball together.
But no huggy-poo or kissy-face.
Sci Fi? Maybe.
But what else is there to do besides saying the hell with it and partaaaay?

[MillennialUrbanist]

Originally Posted by PamelaIamela

But what else is there to do besides saying the hell with it and partaaaay?

Yes, exactly. Certain parties---won't say which, 'cause this ain't a politics forum---want to make social distancing permanent. But it's like making holding in poop permanent; humans are social animals, and Facetiming won't cut it. It's only matter of time before people say "to hell with it!", revolt, and start having socializing orgies that will basically be the Sexual Revolution of the '60s, but with fully-clothed hugs instead of copulation.

That's if we're lucky. Far more likely, our society will turn into permanent shut-ins. Mass parades and celebrations will be a little more than a scary historical footnote by modern standards, like the Salem Witch Trials.
#DontTreadOnMe #LessGovernment #Hugs

[USNRET04]

Originally Posted by nobodysbusiness

Literature is packed with stories of people born during TERRIBLE times, and the character that was developed.

This mollycoddling by parents has been detrimental to children. Maybe some alone time will assist them in connecting with their true spirits.

Not only that, but this is also a great time for parents to reconnect with their children. Play board games, build a puzzle together! When the weather gets better in your area, go outside and play ball, frisbee...ride bikes, etc... Spend time with your kids! I'm going fishing with my son tomorrow. (Fish are biting like crazy because no one is at the lake!!)

Make this an opportunity to take a breather from LIFE. We all seem to be on the same treadmill together on most days of our lives, working hard, but not getting anywhere. Putting our family after the almighty dollar.

Now we have been given some of that time back, use it wisely!!

[hunterseat]

I would think a daily schedule providing routine would be helpful. I can't imagine asking "what do you want to do now?" all day long.

Menu planning, meal prep, cooking, serving, clean up - that takes up some time.

Home economics? A daily lesson on sewing, ironing, laundry, tire charging, battery charging,
Study finance & stock market trends/ history.

Craft time - paint rocks to hide, embroider initials/ decoration on a sweatshirt for grandma. Work on Christmas decorations - or other holidays. Perfect your Easter egg decorating. Tie dye, batik, crochet, knitting.

Journal and/ or write stories to be read aloud. Learn different genres of literature and write examples.

Write songs to perform.
Develop a work- out plan and target a skill (handstand? Headstand? Long jump? ) to improve.

[bondaroo]

Originally Posted by Berrie143

No interaction with other kids? No classroom learning and recess? No playing on playgrounds? No going to a movie? No bookstore trips? No grocery trips? No meals out, hearing the loud buzz of a restaurant? Just staying at home, all day, every day. How will our children's mental health be after this is all said and done? IF it even gets done?

Sounds like every summer I spent growing up in the 70s. Mom and Dad went to work, us kids stayed near home. Bored? Figure it out. I rode my bike, went to the library and read a lot. TV only had interesting shows in shorts bursts throughout the day (morning for preschoolers, Flintstones at lunch, reruns of the Brady Bunch before supper. There wasn't a lot of hanging out with other kids, because they also were expected to stay close to home. Vacations were car trips with our parents.

You'd be amazed at what kids can come up with when they have the time. Boredom is the best push to creativity. And what's wrong with your kids cleaning up? You seem to think that's a weird thing for a kid to do.

Worrying about their mental health because they have to spend time with family is sad, and a bit horrifying for their future.

[nobodysbusiness]

Originally Posted by USNRET04

Not only that, but this is also a great time for parents to reconnect with their children. Play board games, build a puzzle together! When the weather gets better in your area, go outside and play ball, frisbee...ride bikes, etc... Spend time with your kids! I'm going fishing with my son tomorrow. (Fish are biting like crazy because no one is at the lake!!)

Make this an opportunity to take a breather from LIFE. We all seem to be on the same treadmill together on most days of our lives, working hard, but not getting anywhere. Putting our family after the almighty dollar.

Now we have been given some of that time back, use it wisely!!

It is definitely a gift of some kind.

Wonderful opportunity to reboot.

[HappyFarm34]

no kids here but have young niece and nephews... none are in school yet so it didn't affect them. I just hope when I get back to babysitting them after mom is done with maternity leave that the library is open so I can check out books. The older kids looked forwarded to that.