Maintaining a sense of normalcy while social distancing during a lockdown has been a primary goal for parents the world over. None of us were prepared to handle a global pandemic. Met with disappointment, confusion, and uncertainty, however, parents, educators, and businesses have stepped up to the plate. In the few short weeks that plans were set in place, educators and parents took action and worked out ways to ease our kids’ stress.
While many schools are providing ample resources for our kids, parents are finding there’s still a significant amount of downtime throughout the day. Families are also tasked with helping kids work through their disappointment of missing friends and end-of-year events they had been working so hard toward.
Mom Cortney S. said her daughter had been working diligently to learn her dance routine prior to lockdown. “[Her] biggest disappointment has been the cancellation of her dance recital,” she told Mom.com. “The actions and limitations in these circumstances are understandable, but it’s so difficult to watch your child’s heart break over lost experiences like this one.”
Exposing your kids to art and music during lockdown is one way to keep them engaged and creative while helping fill their days with meaningful activities. If you’re looking for ways to provide art and music activities as we move into the summer months, rest assured that there are options.
Online music lessons
No added pressure
Though everyone has had to scramble and change course in a matter of a few short weeks, the slower pace and decreased expectations are a welcomed change by some parents. While the circumstances behind lockdown are devastating, many parents are grateful for the slower pace this time at home provides.
Virginia Duan, a freelance writer and mom of four, appreciated her children’s virtual recital. “My kids seemed excited and were open to the recital and they thought it was fun to see everyone on Zoom,” she told Mom.com. “It was easier on me as a parent because I didn’t have to bring a snack or dessert for the reception, and I did not have to dress up the kids.
“All in all, I wish all recitals were virtual,” she admitted to Mom.com.
You don’t need expensive supplies and a degree in art history to expose your children to art and music. Sometimes, simple is best, as Goodman explains: “One thing that has saved my sanity as a mother of two boys is watercolor paint. When all else fails, I pull out printer paper or scrap and just let them swirl water, mix colors, and paint.”
Kira Morrison echos those sentiments. “Even if you don’t know anything about music, there are so many ways to contribute to your child’s music education at home,” she encouraged.
