Day 2
Will (insert activity) be cancelled, Dad?
As the return to school gets further delayed (we are now formally closed until the end of April), my kids are starting to see the activities they looked forward to either hanging in the balance or disappearing altogether.
My daughter’s gymnastics showcase – unofficially gone.
My son’s soccer season – likely done.
An 8th grade “Gradventure” to Universal Studios – in limbo, but not looking good.
I feel especially bad for the Seniors in the Class of 2020 who, likely, will be sent to college without the extended, personal celebrations that each of us had at eighteen.
When I started to write, I intended to say, “Suck it up. There are bigger problems in the world than a graduation party.” This mentality is as true as cruel when dealing with our heartbroken kids.
Parents have to make it up to them – in whatever way pulls them out of the current fog. Doing so will, not only, lift their spirits in the short-term, it will remind them that a future awaits where hanging out again exists.
I can’t wait to take my son to ride the Harry Potter ride at Universal though I regret that he won’t make the trip to Orlando on a bus of stinky, hormone-raging middle school friends.
Lynden will score more soccer goals, but as a seventh grader in the fall. His strike better be six months stronger by then.
My daughter’s self-choreographed gymnastics floor routine will be spectacular after an additional year of practice. I expect a perfect ten score.
Our kids are already “sucking up” short-term disappointment – we don’t have to pile on in an effort to toughen them up. COVID is teaching them a tough life lesson they don’t need reminded of.
So, scrap the “I walked to school uphill, in the snow, both ways” stories.
Tell them a comeback story instead – helping them to form the one they’ll be telling their kids about “this awful thing called COVID-19” someday.
Finding the Funny
Not only is COVID allowing us to find humor in places we haven’t typically, the pandemic is reaffirming that certain statements have been (and will always be) inexcusable to voice, like:
“I guess my Ferrari will be another few weeks late.”
“No bottomless fries with my Red Robin to-go order?”
“You really shouldn’t start drinking wine until after dinner.”
“Uploading to Microsoft Teams is a breeze.”
“I’m so pleased with my WIFI performance.”
“Virtual art and gym classes are absolutely necessary during crisis school.”
“I wonder if Joe Exotic and Carole Baskin are keeping their social distance?”
Parting Perspective
I’m beginning to see acts of selfishness popping up that have disappointed and frustrated me lately. I’m not talking about the hoarding of toilet paper or the resale of hand sanitizer at ten times the market price.
No, these acts are more subtle and, I think, a reflection of tired parents. It strikes me that many are allowing kids to play together in groups and traverse through each other’s neighborhoods.
I get it.
My kids want to play with their friends, too. They have to wait.
My kids want to kick the soccer ball around with a group of friends. They shouldn’t right now.
To keep your family, neighbors and friends safe, be as selfish as the guy with a garage full of T.P. – relentlessly worrying about protecting the people within the walls of your home.
Find the patience needed to break through the boredom of long days stuck at home with the whiny little ones we love. Garner the determination to convey confidence to your family even though you’re struggling. Be so self-centered about keeping your family healthy that you demand that others do the same for their’s.
Stay the course.
Give someone a call.
Struggling is acceptable.
No one is doing it better than you.
Parent on.
More to come.
