Ways to Stay Connected During COVID-19

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Find quick and easy ways to stay connected during COVID-19 with friends and family.

At this point, our entire country is being asked to maintain social distancing due to the pandemic.

Many people are working from home and children are home from school or daycare. Birthday parties and vacations are cancelled.

Play dates and family get togethers are not recommended.

As social creatures, we desire interactions with other humans! I think even the introverts in the world may be wishing for a night on the town at this point.

So now we need some creative ways to stay connected during COVID-19 quarantine.

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Working From Home With Kids? Find ways to Stay Sane and Productive here.

Even if you are at home with 12 kids, it can seem lonely. Not being able to proceed with normal life can be pretty difficult and we must find ways to cope with it.

And then there are those that are not quarantined with others. If you know people that are alone during this time, it is critical to stay connected with them.

So here are some ideas on ways to stay connected during COVID-19 with those that you love.

What Not To Do During Social Distancing

First, let’s start with how to do your part in social distancing.

I’ve seen some cute pictures floating around the internet of:

A mom group sitting in the back of their SUV’s, perfectly spaced 6 ft apart
Neighborhood Happy Hours with Lawn Chairs 6 ft apart

There are researchers suggesting that the virus can travel in the air much farther than 6 ft. And that the 6 ft “rule” is really for essential activities (grocery shopping, picking up pharmaceuticals etc) and not to continue to promote social gathering at a 6 foot distance.

Personally I like to read my facts from the CDC or WHO but in this time of a novel coronavirus, I think any information is worthy of consideration.

Connecting With Family & Friends During Self Quarantine

So what ways to stay connected during COVID-19 are both safe and fun for you and your family?

Here are some ideas:

Take someone a meal
Cooking a meal for someone is always a welcome gift. Do your own research but many Dr.’s have said that takeout food is fine. So you could make them a meal or go pick something up for them. Package it up and drop it on their doorstep. Once you are back in your vehicle, call and get them to come pick it up.
Facetime
I know this isn’t really a creative concept but we have the ability to see each other without being physically together. Use this often!
Mail A Letter
My daughter has been coloring pictures like crazy that we are planning to mail to the grandparents. It would also be a nice time to write a letter. A real, old fashioned letter. I know the recipient of that would be thrilled. Hallmark is even giving away a free 3 pack of cards while supplies last. Get your freebie here.
Send A Care Package
Supplies have become limited in some cases but many online stores are able to still ship product.
- One idea is for the youngest of those impacted by this, the kiddos! Easter is coming up so of course there are Easter bunnies and baskets that you could send. There are lots of ideas in this Toddler Easter Basket Bought Completely Online, one for Preschoolers, kids and teens.My kids love getting mail and something from a grandparent, aunt or a friend is so much fun! Some other non-holiday specific ideas for kids would be:
  - Coloring Books with Water Color Sets – I love these because they come with everything you need and tons of Disney/Nick Jr. Characters
  - Kinetic Sand – Are they missing a beach trip? Send them some sand to play with.
  - Grow and Glow Terrarium – We have done this before and it is so fun to decorate and watch it grow.
- Another care package idea is for an elderly family member or neighbor with things to help them through this time like protein rich snacks, shelf stable foods and even a few entertainment items.It would be a nice cheery surprise plus you might be able to help them avoid a trip to the store. Here are some ideas for under $7 each.

Engage in Neighborhood ActivitiesMany neighborhoods have been working together to do things to get kids outside but also distanced. We just participated in a bear hunt (neighbors put stuffed animals in windows for kids to “hunt”) and a sidewalk chalk art day. Check your neighborhood facebook page to see what is going on in your area.