April Showers? Meet May Flowers.
When I sent out the March edition of this newsletter, New York City was in the throes of transitioning to sheltering-in-place and distance learning. Almost a month later, learning, working, playing, tutor ing and doing everything else at home has become at least a little routine.
As we prepare for life after quarantine – and it will arrive, sooner or later – have you noticed any seedlings of change, in you or your children? Maybe I’m an eternal optimist, but here are some of the “May flowers” I think we’re sowing in the midst of these April showers. I’ve noticed these changes in me, my loved ones, and in the kids I tutor.
Technology as a tool for connection and growth.
Even if your kids’ schools aren’t perfect, there’s a good chance that their teachers have used some form of technology to keep lines of communication open and learning going. Many adults have gone from thinking of “Zoom” as a 1970s PBS show for kids to a lifeline. The platform has enabled millions of us to make new connections and learn new skills. (I’m learning how to give one of my signature library talks, for example, as a webinar – see below! – and a friend of a friend recently hired me to tutor her in Spanish conversation.) All of these new connections and skills will propel our growth – and that of our children – when we emerge from home.
Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash
The benefits of (more) sleep.
Before the virus had spread to NYC, I heard an interview with a woman in Italy who mentioned that, with nowhere to go, most Italians were sleeping at least one extra hour per day. Since then, several friends have noticed the same. Even if you’re working, the likelihood of a non-existent commute means that you may be sleeping more than you normally do. It’s probable that your kids are, too. Have you noticed any changes in them? In you? Even though this is an unbelievably stressful time, getting more sleep may be enabling many of us to cope. It’s certainly keeping us healthy. Can we prioritize sleep after this is all over to help us and our children deal with life’s future stresses?
Greater acceptance of imperfection.
My sister, a great mom and a former teacher herself, has taken the charge of teaching my eight- and six-year-old nieces from home to heart. She’s transformed their playroom into “school” and she makes sure that they get all of their main subjects daily – and even art and library once a week. But by Week 3 of distance learning, when the kindergartner’s attention waned during one lesson and she asked, “Do I have to do this anymore?” my sister happily transitioned to the next subject. She’s abandoning an ideal, in favor of a less perfect model that’s sustainable in the long term. My hope for her – and for all of us – is that we bring this #imperfectlyperfect mindset with us into the post-Corona world.
I’m sure these three “varieties” aren’t the only blooms we’re cultivating. Aside from the inevitable frayed nerves and incessant eye rolls, what are some of the new habits you and your kids have developed that you’d like to take with you into our lives after Corona? Feel free to write back with your new customs, or tweet @CrimsonCoaching with the hashtag #CoronaCustom.
Until then, wishing you and your loved ones the best of health,