Ask for help.

At this time, more than any other, many people may need assistance. It might be financial, it might be physical, or it might be emotional- or it might be all three! Hopefully, the government will help us with the financial piece.

I am a very positive person. I don’t sweat the small stuff. But this virus is wearing on me. I am tired of thinking about it and hearing about it.

Today was my first day back to work with the daycare kiddos after spring break vacation. I am so glad I had the last week off, as it gave me time to disinfect everything. I always take spring break week off, so it should be the same as always when I start back up. But, it just feels different.

I am down two kiddos whose parents are electing not to bring them back until the virus slows down or ends. I am making sure there is as much distance between kiddos as I can in this environment. I am standing in the doorway when parents drop-off and pick up their kiddos each day, so they do not enter the house. We talk about their kiddos day from 8 feet away or through pictures, emails, and texts. We are washing our hands for 20 seconds over and over and over throughout the day.

It will become the new normal, but for now it is exhausting. Forget about making sure they learn anything. Today was about social distancing, learning the new routines, and hand washing. It will get better and easier. It will just take extra time and extra patience. The kiddos have been wonderful about it and all seem to understand why we are having to enact some new protocols.

I know the kiddos were happy to see each other again. It will be great to have face-to-face 8 feet away conversations with other adults each day. I talked to most of the neighbors last weekend when I was working in the yard. It is amazing just what some sunshine and fresh air can do for your mental health! Having others to bounce our thoughts off is so helpful.

If you are feeling cooped up and need a break, call a neighbor or friend to meet outside and talk for a bit. You can still keep the mandated distance and enjoy each other’s company. Go for a walk or hang out on your deck with a cup of coffee. Just get to another location before it gets too hard to bear. Even driving around for a bit listening to some favorite music might help.

If you are needing something, ask for help getting it. So many people will be going out to get groceries, and depending on what time they go, something might be there that you could not get. Put the word out with your friends and neighbors. They can leave it on your porch. Just don’t forget to wipe it down before you use it or wash your hands after touching it. I had a friend put out a call for some toilet paper and someone stepped up to the plate to help him out. There are a lot of people willing to help out if they can. We have to stick together and lean on each other (virtually and at a distance) at this time.

If your kiddos are driving you bonkers, especially if they are out of school for the year like they are in Kansas City, have them take some quiet time with a book, game, or electronic device while you decompress. This will be a long two months if you don’t get a reprieve every now and then. There are some great card games that kiddos can play alone or with one or two siblings that are a lot of fun. Or give them a special task to help with. My son is on dishes duty and my daughter is on laundry duty while I am downstairs with the daycare kiddos. I didn’t say the special tasks were going to be fun! If there is something your kiddo particularly enjoys, like cooking, now is the time to put them in charge of it- or at least as much as they can handle.

If you are needing help with safety for yourself or for your kiddos, PLEASE reach out to someone. This is taxing on everyone right now, so the added pressure may be too much for some to bear. Many child care centers are open now with lots of open spots, so reach out to one and explain your situation. Call your county health department. Call 911 for help if you need it, and they can direct you to the right person. Just get help, and don’t wait until it is too late.