SELF-CARE TIP: Forgiveness. During this difficult time, we are all doing the best we can, and sometimes coming up short. I keep reminding myself that while I may have experienced a parenting "epic fail" (as my ten year old would say), there were probably at least a few other moments where I wasn't half bad. Forgive our partners. For all of their shortcomings and the (quite possibly annoying) ways they handle stress and anxiety. Forgive our children. For being children and not at all aware that they should be extra helpful or cooperative while their parents are under so much stress. And please don't forget the first one-forgive yourself.
PARENTING TIP: I Love You Rituals. I hope you had a couple of good ten minute blocks of undivided (phone down) time with your little ones yesterday. Another way to infuse moments of connection in even a shorter window? Try an "I Love You Ritual". Patrick’s favorite right now is “Hello Elbow”. Just randomly, I’ll say “Hello Patrick’s Elbow” (rub, rub, rub) then “Hello Patricks’ knee-so nice to see you knee”, etc., etc., etc.
NATURE LOCATION: We are keeping these up as long as possible for our Bay Area residents. Mayor Breed said today she wants to keep open spaces if we can really mind the 6ft gap. Try Mt. Davidson near Twin Peaks for some wide trails and less crowds.
INDOOR ACTIVITY: Help With Laundry!! If your pile is looking like mine - get the kids involved! Children are wonderful at sorting out the family clothes, matching socks, folding wash-cloths, kitchen towels and even their own clothes. But I’ll be honest - I have officially given up on folding clothes during this time. Aside from the linens which sadly won’t fit in the closet unless they’re folded (I tried), everyone just gets a bag of clean laundry and the rest is up to them. Well, it needs to get in their drawers but I’m asking no further questions!