Having my loved ones rock my littles to sleep, wrestle with them on the floor, or hold their hands on a walk is something we all look forward to. But right now, that isn’t happening for many, and it is hard. I miss it. My mom and dad miss it. My brother misses it. My in-laws miss it. However, it doesn’t mean we can’t connect. We just have to connect differently.
My mom and sister-in-law have come up with some creative ways to connect during this time apart. I wanted to share three things they are doing to create memories and connect with the kiddos in their lives, in hopes others can do the same.
Mail A Plant in a Box
Getting a package in the mail is fun! But, a package with something to do together and watch grow is even more fun!
Grab a plastic cup, a small ziplock bag of soil and a handful of wheat berries (sold in the grocery store’s organic flour/grain section) and package it in a box. Drop it in the mail (save some for you to plant at home!) and FaceTime together while opening the package. Just be prepared to plant it right away… because letting them open the box to be told “we’ll plant later” will end in tears. 🙂
Show your niece, nephew, or grandchild how to plant their seeds by doing a pot (cup) yourself. Teach them about what seeds need to grow and what kiddos can expect to see after a few days. FaceTime frequently to show each other how your grass is changing. Be prepared: wheat grass grows fast – and will need a haircut within a week!
An Assignment Journal
My sister-in-law mailed a notebook and a Fujifilm Instax camera to my boys with a letter. The letter explained that they were sad they can’t visit, and how they miss their silly hearts and bursting spirits. It explained that the notebook is filled with assignments from each person, and would help everyone see the world through their eyes. Most assignments are silly and make everyone laugh. Gordon takes turns writing assignments for his aunt and mailing the book back and forth for her to do the same. Polaroid-like photos accompany the tasks which makes the journal even funnier.
Schedule Story Time
Libraries, authors, and toy store owners are hosting virtual story time – why can’t you? Dedicate a day and time for books with grandpa and grandma or aunt and uncle. We make it special by letting Gordon choose his spot in the house and break house rules by eating a snack in the living room.
Before settling in to read, Grandma FaceTimes Gordon and shows him around the farm, highlighting all of the things he loves: the rooster crowing in the chicken coop, camper sitting idle in the pasture, Papa working in the shed or driving his skid loader. It’s a nice way for him to re-visit what’s familiar, and catch up with what he loves.
She lets the kids choose which books to read by sorting through her stack– keeping them engaged even more. We dedicate 45-60 minutes for this call (which is long for a toddler – but he loves the time). As soon as he gets antsy, my mom will say, Gordon it looks like you’re finished with reading. Should we schedule another date?
Some families are accustomed to long-distance relationships from the get-go, and others are new to it in 2020. But, for those of you who are looking for unique ways to connect – it is possible! Some fun, interactive experiences that can be shared between both parties helps relieve some of the physical distance apart. I remind myself every week: it’s my job as their mom to help maintain as much normalcy as possible, in this abnormal year. Connecting them with family in unique ways is something I can do!
