What Will the Kids Remember About the Coronavirus Quarantine?

When the stay at home orders came and schools closed, parents went into overdrive. We suddenly had a lot more on our plates. We started working from home, as well as being our kid’s substitute teacher and virtual assistant. But, on top of it all, the thing that has kept parents up at night is wondering about their kid’s overall wellbeing.

As adults, we never experienced something like the COVID-19 pandemic. Our school years were never suddenly interrupted. We didn’t spend all day every day at home with just our families for well over a month. So, for adults, we understand how bizarre this all is. But do our kids?

The answer is yes. Even the youngest kids do know “something is up.” Kids can feel their parent’s stress, and they are fully aware that their routine is different. But that doesn’t mean they are doomed. This generation of kids may even be better for having lived through this experience.

Childhood Amnesia

Let’s start at the beginning. How far back can you remember? The truth is most of us don’t have many childhood memories from when we were younger than 7. Even then, our memories are a scattered collection of highs and lows. In other words, kids under 7 will likely have few, if any, memories of this quarantine experience. This is so prevalent that it has a scientific term – childhood amnesia.

According to Popular Science, “Kids can remember events before the age of 3 when they're small, but by the time they're a bit older, those early autobiographical memories are lost. New research has put the starting point for amnesia at age 7.” The older kids become, the fewer memories they have from their younger years.

However, it is still important to recognize that this pandemic will have an effect on kids in the near future, even if their memories become fewer as they grow older.

Kids are Living History

This is one of the few times when we are aware that we are living through history. So, we should take advantage of it! Talk to your kids about why this is an important part of their lives and their history. Spend time with your family creating a COVID-19 time capsule that highlights the things your family did during this time. Years into the future, this time capsule will be something your family treasures.

Check-in with Your Kids

While we don’t know exactly what our young kids will remember about the coronavirus quarantine, we do know they are already being affected by it. For example, did your kid suddenly start putting up a fight to go to bed? You’re not alone. So many kids started having bedtime issues that the New York Times even wrote Bedtime Was Hard Enough. Then Came Quarantine.

Therefore, it is important to continue to check in with your kids. Even preschoolers know things are different. Regression is to be expected. Ask your kids how they are feeling. Ask them what they are afraid of and what they miss. You may be surprised at just how aware your kids are about what has and has not changed. Most importantly, reassure them that even though things have changed, your love for them never will.

Who knows? Your kids may look back on this experience will fond memories. You have a rare opportunity to spend unlimited time together as a family, so try to make the most of it. When your kids are out of the house and raising kids of their own (can you even imagine?!?), some of your best family stories may be about this quarantine season.

10 Quarantine Date Night Ideas

At this point, I’ve lost count of how many days I have been stuck at home with my husband. Thankfully, we still love each other and are not wanting to strangle one another. But, I’m kind of over Netflix and Chill-ing every single night. I’m betting I’m not the only one. To help you get out of your quarantine date night rut, I’ve come up with ten at-home date night ideas for you and your partner.

Mix Some Drinks

I always wanted to take a cocktail class as one of my date nights but never was able to due to our busy schedules. Since we’ve been quarantining at home, I finally have time to learn how to make some cocktails! I made a Manhattan and was excited for Joe to be the first one to try my cocktail creation.

Cook a Romantic Dinner

Yes, we are eating together every night, but it’s amazing what a few candles, a nice bottle of wine, and some extra time in the kitchen can do. It will take dinner from the same-old, same-old to a romantic night in a flash.

Create a Spa Experience

I love a good spa day, but it’s going to be a while before I get back to my favorite spa. In the meantime, why not turn your home into a spa for you and your partner? Treat each other to a pedicure or a massage and release some of that quarantine stress.

Play Some Games

Have your kind of game night. Game night looks different for every couple. Some couples like to play board games, others like card games. You may want to embrace nostalgia and play your old game system favorites like Tetris or Mario Kart.

Draw and Drink

Draw and Drink are popular date nights, so try to recreate this fun and unique date night at home. Get your canvases, paints, and drinks ready and find the masterpiece you want to recreate. You can even search online for “virtual drink and draw” events.

Enjoy a Tasting

While you can visit a winery or a brewery currently, you can enjoy a private tasting at home. There are several companies that offer wine tasting kits, and many breweries allow you to make your own six-pack of beers.

Take a Personality Quiz

If you’ve ever wondered what makes your partner tick, then take an evening to do some personality tests together. You can take a Myers-Briggs or Enneagram personality test online. Upon receiving the results, you will learn why your significant other is the way he is.

Gaze at the Stars

Escape the confines of your living room to gaze at the stars. Bonus points if you have a beautiful balcony or backyard. Spend some time trying to identify your favorite constellations.

Learn a New Dance

If you’ve always wanted to learn how to dance but never had the time (or were worried about dancing in front of strangers), now is the perfect time to sign up for online couple’s dance classes! In addition to just simply looking up dance videos on YouTube, there are also several dance studios offering virtual couples dance lessons during quarantine.

Purchase a Subscription Box

If all else fails, then sign up for one of the many date night subscription boxes. Each subscription box is different, but they are all designed to make it easier for you and your significant other to have an enjoyable evening together. With a variety of activities, these are a socially distanced approved way to get couples out of their quarantine date night rut.  

Work from Home Struggles & Successes

Earlier this week, I asked about work from home struggles on successes on my Instagram account. Not surprisingly, I found we share many of the same struggles and successes. Working from home (especially if you are also homeschooling your kids) is hard work! There have been good days and bad days. Now that we’ve been at it for over a month, we’re beginning to see what we are doing well…and what we are doing not so well. Let’s take a look.

We are eating too much.

By far, the comment that showed up the most for work at home struggles was that we are eating too much. Many of us depleted our quarantine snacks within the first week. Why? It’s easy, and we are bored.

But we are snuggling more.

While eating more is not the best habit to embrace during this season, we are also spending our extra time at home snuggling our kids more. We are spending far more time with our families than before and surprising ourselves with how much we enjoy the extra snuggle time.

We aren’t getting dressed up.

As a whole, we are also struggling with getting dressed. Many of us have slipped into a nice routine of wearing pajamas to work. And for those who feel fancy, they are wearing yoga pants on bottom and dress shirts on top. We are wearing far less makeup (if any), and we aren’t doing our hair.

But we are getting more sleep.

A major perk of not spending as long on our appearance also means we are getting more sleep. We no longer feel the need to wake up extra early to shower and do the whole makeup and hair routine. We can roll out of bed and start our day. That may be hard to give up when the return to normal begins!

We are struggling with new routines.

At the same time, we are struggling with new routines. Many of us are creatures of habit – even in the office. And home does not work like the office, so there is a steep adjustment. Plus, those of us who are trying to work from home and homeschool our kids at the same time are struggling. It is a whole new routine – and it doesn’t work every day.

But we are still working out.

One routine we aren’t neglecting is our need to work out. While the gyms are closed, we are still finding ways to stay active and healthy. Whether we are working out in our backyards with the whole family or alone in front of a screen, we are doing what we can to work off all the extra calories we have been consuming.

We have too many distractions.

We are also finding many ways to distract ourselves and keep us from doing everything but work. Whether it is our kids or simply all of our own stuff, we are distracted and lacking focus.

But we are getting stuff done.

Yet, with all of the distractions, we are getting stuff done! Some of us are getting things done because of the distractions. Our dirty baseboards are distracted, so we’ve cleaned them! Our kids are distracting us, so we give them attention.

At the end of the day, whether we did a little or a lot, we can rest easier knowing we survived another day working from home during the COVID-19 lockdown.

You Need to Buy Blue Light Glasses for Your Kids

If your home is anything like mine, your usual screen time limits went right out the window when schools shut down. Our kids were suddenly thrust into the world of online learning and started spending significantly more time staring at the screen for longer periods. And, then they started complaining that their eyes hurt.

Blue light refers to the light that technology and devices give off, and too much blue light exposure is probably causing your kid to feel and act differently. Studies suggest, “Blue light emanating from the screens of video games, smartphones, tablets, computers, and televisions can affect kids’ vision and their overall health. Growing evidence and research show that, at the least, overexposure to blue light due to screen media consumption can produce digital eye strain, headaches, and a lack of deep sleep in children.”

Blue Light Causes Eye Fatigue

If your child has been complaining that his or her eyes hurt and they have been spending more time than usual staring at screens, it is likely due to blue light exposure. Prolonged exposure to blue light can cause dry eyes and blurred vision.

Blue Light Causes Headaches

Has your child had more headaches since online schooling started? Blue light may also be the cause because eye strain can also lead to headaches.

Blue Light Hinders Sleep

I know everyone’s routines are out of whack, but you can still recognize when your child isn’t sleeping well. Kids need sleep, or else they show out. Unfortunately, decreased sleep quality is one of the main effects of blue light. Blue light is a stimulant and typically works to help our body recognize when to wake up. Therefore, if you are exposing yourself to blue light close to bedtime, you throw off your sleep rhythm. That’s why doctors advise turning the tv off a while before bedtime.

According to the American Optometric Association and Optometry Cares, “ Limitation of personal electronic device use before bedtime is recommended to be the most effective method for reducing light-induced sleep disruption in children. The use of amber-tinted spectacle lenses during the use of electronic devices immediately before bedtime has shown promise as a strategy to reduce their altering effects […]”

Blue Light Decreases Your Attention Span

Plus, too much exposure to blue light will decrease your attention span. If your eyes feel strained or tired, you won’t be able to read screens or pay attention as well. With everything going on, it is hard enough or our kids to focus, so we don’t want too much blue light exposure to hinder them more.

How Blue Light Glasses Help

Most adults in office environments are already knowledgeable when it comes to blue light glasses. You can search Amazon and find tons of fashionable options. But you may not have realized that they also make blue light glasses for kids. And given our current circumstances, your kid likely needs a pair. Doctors recommend blue light filtering glasses to anyone who works with electronics – and now that includes our kids. These glasses are designed to block or limit blue light that is emitted from electronic devices, such as computers and tablets.

Hey Small Business Owners, Are You Part of the #OpenWeStand Initiative?

There's been a lot of changes with how everybody works during the Covid-19 crisis especially with small businesses and entrepreneurs. Being a lifestyle blogger, I've been changing the way I post, and my subject matter has been more about how to stay home and be an active blogger while my daughters are home all the time.

That’s why I'm proud to spread the news about the #OpenWeStand initiative as a GoDaddy partner. As you will see, the Open We Stand website is providing small business owners and entrepreneurs with much needed help and resources.

Trusted Resources to Help You Survive

If you are a small business or an entrepreneur, you are feeling the effects of COVID-19. Whether you are experiencing a small rain or a total hurricane, you are doing your absolute best to stay afloat. That’s why I am so thankful this initiative has provided resources to help us get through these tough times. Topics cover things like customer loyalty and business strategies specifically for this unusual time. We’re all having to learn how to do business in a different way and they have highlighted some of the key areas where these changes are front and center.

An Encouraging Community for Advice

This is brand new territory for all of us, which is why you should not feel ashamed to ask for help. GoDaddy has joined up with LinkedIn to provide a #OpenWeStand LinkedIn Group to create a community for business owners to talk about what is working and get advice for things that are not.

Be Inspired by How Other Small Businesses are Adapting

If you are like me, you are desperate for inspiration – especially while you are stuck at home and unable to work in your usual work space. That’s why I really appreciate that the #OpenWeStand website also includes a page dedicated to stories about how small businesses are adapting to make sure they are keeping their customer/client base and bringing in funds even with their doors closed. Plus, you can follow the hashtag on Instagram to see how other small businesses are adapting.

Ways to Show Your Support for Small Businesses

You can let your community know that you are open for business even if your doors are closed by using the #OpenWeStand ribbon. You can download the image from the website and use it on your social media posts, as well as printing it out on posters to place in your storefronts.

Additionally, you can use the GoFundMe Small Business Relief Initiative to find a small business to support. The Initiative has partnered with GoFundMe to make it easy for supporters to make donations online.

Small Business Relief and Grants are Available

Lastly, GoDaddy is working with GoFundMe for the Small Business Relief Fund. GoDaddy is providing a $500 matching grant to eligible small businesses. To be eligible, you must start a GoFundMe for your small business. Don’t be ashamed to ask for help.

Here’s Your Discount Code for the Best Remote Instruction for School Closures

When I heard schools in New York were closing due to COVID-19, I knew it was only a matter of time before my girls grew bored. But then I remembered the great success my girls had with iD Tech camp last summer and was curious to see what they were offering during this unusual time of school closures. I am happy to tell parents everywhere iD Tech is offering their high-quality remote instruction in the form of virtual tech camps and online private instruction now!

Let me tell you – you and your kids are going to absolutely love iD Tech! It will make you feel much more confident about your children’s education during this time (or during traditional spring breaks or summer breaks). With iD Tech, the learning doesn’t have to stop just because the schools’ doors are closed.

What I Love About iD Tech

At this point, you have likely been bombarded with all sorts of virtual learning opportunities. These are wonderful – especially for a time on unexpected school closure. However, iD Tech has been in the business of providing the highest quality remote instruction and tech instruction for 20 years. With elite staff recruited from companies such as Google, EA, Tesla, and Disney, I know my girls are receiving a top-notch education.

But what really makes iD Tech stand out from the rest is that they have mastered how to combine STEM education with fun learning activities for kids. Their courses appeal to a child’s love of apps and video games with courses that encourage kids to learn using things like Minecraft and Fortnite.

The #1 STEM Summer Program Has Camps and Online Private Lessons Available NOW

We tend to think of camp as being summer camp or special spring break camps, but given this unusual time of school closures across the US, iD Tech is offering their exceptional virtual tech camps weekly now until the end of the school year! The camps are weekly sessions with 2 hours of live instruction and 2 hours of self-paced project learning with an elite instructor and a team of 4 other students. Plus, iD Tech is offering one-on-one private online lessons for students ages 7-19 during this same time period. Students can take a fun project-based course and receive personalized instruction.

Provides Much-Needed Structure

One of the reasons I am all about iD Tech at this current moment is because it provides my kids much-needed structure. Since they are out of school and after-school activities, their routines have disappeared. And my girls (like most kids) strive with structure. iD Tech’s courses are totally structured, giving kids a clear idea of what is expected.

Teaches New Skills

Schools across the country are handling the closures differently, but one thing is the same, we don’t want our kids to stop learning. With virtual tech camps and online private lessons, iD Tech makes it easy for kids to keep learning. Even better, their programs teach kids new skills that are some of the most desired skills in the workforce. You can make this time off count by enrolling your child in an iD Tech program aimed at future success.

Allows for Social Interaction

With school and activities out, my girls are craving some social interaction. While they can’t see their classmates, they can enjoy social interaction virtually with iD Tech. They’ll get to bond with their teammates as they learn and work on fun projects via technology.

Plus, It Provides Parents a Much-Needed Break!

And, let’s be honest, when schools are closed, it is just as hard on the parents. When the kids are home, it makes it harder to work and get things done. But, when they are enrolled in an iD Tech virtual tech camp or taking online lessons, parents get a much-needed break to catch up on the things they have neglected (or simply time to rest).

iD Tech is Offering Their Programs at a Discount During This Challenging Time

As iD Tech says, “When times are tough, we band together.” That’s why they are offering amazing discounts on their virtual tech camps. With school closures and big discounts, there is no better time to sign up. Be sure to use my link http://bit.ly/2IZ3Juw and my discount code CHOY125 just for my followers!

Don’t Let Quarantine End in Divorce

We’ve all seen the memes suggesting divorce lawyers are anxiously awaiting the quarantine to be over because they are anticipating a lot of new clients. It’s funny to joke about, and humor is one way to survive these strange times. But, sadly, there is some truth to it.

According to Lu Shijun for MSN, “The divorce rate [in the district] has soared compared to before [the coronavirus outbreak]. Young people are spending a lot of time at home. They tend to get into heated arguments because of something petty and rush into getting a divorce." The officials in China believe this sharp increase in divorce requests is due to couples having to spend too much time together while quarantined.

Ouch. I certainly don’t want to come out of this quarantine and head straight to a divorce lawyer – and I’m sure you don’t either. That’s why I spent some time today researching tips to help couples survive the quarantine.

Use All Your Coping Skills

This situation is tough, and you shouldn’t pretend it isn’t. When you add in suddenly working remotely and homeschooling your kids, it is even tougher. That’s why it is important to use your coping skills. You may not be able to do the things you typically do to cope, such as heading to your favorite Cycle Bar class, but you should still do things that help you cope. Try meditation, adult coloring, listening to music, or taking a bath.

Take Breaks from Your Spouse

Most couples are not together 24/7. We go to separate jobs, and we have separate hobbies. Now, we are together all the time. And, healthy relationships require a little bit of distance now and then. Social distancing at home will make it harder, but you should make a point to take breaks from your spouse – even if that just means watching tv in separate rooms on occasion.

Plan for Romance

Yes, the restaurants are closed, but that doesn’t mean date nights have to end. Plan to put the kids to bed and enjoy a late dinner with your spouse. Get out of your PJs and wear something you would if you were going on a date. And take a shower. Get creative. I’ve even seen where some couples are embracing paint-at-home quarantine date nights by following YouTube videos.

Check-In Emotionally

Even though you are together all the time, it doesn’t mean you know what is happening in your spouse’s heart and mind. So, ask the questions. It is just as important (maybe even more so) to check-in emotionally with your spouse and make sure he is doing okay.

Keep Things in Perspective

One of the hardest parts of the COVID-19 quarantine is that we don’t have an official end date. This quarantine feels indefinite, but it isn’t. We will leave our houses and get back into somewhat normal routines. So when the going gets tough, remind yourself that your present state is not your permanent state.

Attend Virtual Therapy

Finally, if this quarantine does tend to bring some marital issues to the forefront, then you should consider attending virtual couples therapy. Don’t let this quarantine break you apart without putting up a good fight.

How to Spend a Quarantine Easter Break at Home

2020’s Easter Spring Break is bound to be one remember for the rest of our lives. Not because we go on some amazing family vacation but because we do just the opposite. While we are staying home to save lives, it means spring break is canceled. Or does it? I believe there are some ways we can still have fun and make spring break memorable.

Celebrate the Holiday

Easter is going to feel different this year with egg hunts and Easter Bunny photos canceled. But you should still find ways to celebrate the holiday with your kids. For example, have an indoor Easter egg hunt and get creative with what the Easter Bunny puts in their baskets (such as gift certificates to be redeemed at their favorite places when the world reopens).

Take a Trip Online

If you had a trip planned that was canceled, then see if you can take a virtual trip to experience it from home. For example, theme parks like Carowinds have added virtual roller coaster rides to their YouTube Channel. You can also find virtual Disney Park rides. Other creative people have recreated Disney Park rides at home!

Enjoy a Vacation Themed Day

Or if you had to cancel your tropical beach vacation, then do your best to recreate it at home with a vacation-themed day. For example, have a Hawaiian themed day where you have a luau and eat a Hawaiian meal and watch a movie or show based in Hawaii (such as Lilo and Stitch). Or, just have a day where you dress up in your vacation attire and pretend you are there.

Visit a Virtual Zoo

There are several zoos across the US that are hosting virtual visits where online viewers can see their favorite animals up close and personal. It is another great way to “leave your home” and escape from the monotony. One of our favorites is the San Diego Zoo because it features ten live-web cams and a kid-friendly website.

Have a Movie Marathon

This is a perfect time to have a good old-fashioned movie marathon. Watch your way through the Harry Potter franchise or the Toy Story films. This is also a good time to introduce your kids to some of the movies you loved growing up since so many streaming services are offering deep discounts for families during this time. Plus, with movie theaters closed, families have the opportunity to see brand-new movies, like Onward and Trolls World Tour, over spring break through streaming services.

Do Absolutely Nothing

If you have spent the last few weeks working from home AND trying to homeschool your children like me, then what you may need this spring break is REST. And tons of it. Maybe what you need to do this week is absolutely nothing. If you have been working and teaching and trying to stay calm, you are tired and need a break. Be lazy. Spend time cuddling and relaxing and don’t feel bad about it.

Why You Should Shop Your Favorite Stores Online While Stuck at Home

Listen. COVID-19 is scary. As soon as you turn on the news, the body count goes up. We are practicing social distancing and staying inside, but we don’t know how long this will go on. Non-essential workers have been sent home. Thousands (upon thousands) of people have lost their jobs. It’s serious.

I want you to know that I know how serious it is before I dive into today’s talk. All of us have heightened emotions, and we are quick to react. I don’t want anyone who reads this blog to think I am callous or oblivious. I am very (very) aware of the danger. I live in New York. I have a job that could disappear at any minute. I’m not trying to be insensitive. Just the opposite.

That’s why today, I am telling you why you should shop your favorite stores online while stuck at home.

Experts say online shopping is permissible and encouraged

Not only have experts said that it is safe to shop online (especially if you opt for no-contact delivery and sanitize after receiving products), but it is also encouraged. Business Insider suggests, “Consumers don't need to feel shameful about buying goods online, especially from small businesses currently hit by the blow of temporary closures. [Treiber of RevTrax] says, ‘In this environment, consumers should support any of their favorite retailers that may be suffering from forced store closures due to coronavirus.’”

While big-box stores like Walmart and Target are still open because they sell essentials, retailers that primarily sell clothing have shut their doors and are only making money through online sales.

You’ll help the economy

The economy is really struggling as a result of all the closures. And, while I am hopeful it will receive a big boost from all of us who have been cooped inside once the doors of our favorite retailers reopen, we can still do something to help the economy today. Vanessa Friedman, for the NY Times, writes, “After 9/11, George W. Bush urged everyone to go shopping. At first it seemed silly. But what he was really saying was: Redistribute the wealth. Get the economy going again.”

You’ll help small businesses stay in business

After the last recession, we saw stores we loved close up. I’m afraid we will see that after this is all over to. One way to help prevent your favorite stores from shuttering is to support them now. Consider purchasing gift cards to use at later dates or ordering products online.

You’ll help retail survive

Finally, when you get an email from a retailer that is advertising huge discounts, see it for what it really is. It is a cry for HELP! As Friedman explains, “This is not 25-40-60 percent off time. Except it is, because this is crisis time. The stores are closed. […] And because online sales are the only source of revenue they have to keep their employees paid and their business afloat.” The purchases you make are helping retail and employees (like myself) stay in business.

I’m not asking you to spend what you don’t have or to make poor choices (especially if you aren’t sure about your own income), but if you do have the ability to shop your favorite fashion retailers, now is the time.

For Now, Let’s Just Dream

Starting another week of social distancing at home with the girls home from school has me dreaming about the future. At this point, dreaming is the only way we are going or doing anything, so we might as well start dreaming big about our lives after this is all over. While I don’t think our lives will ever be the same after the coronavirus pandemic, I do have hope that the world will right itself, and in time, we will be able go, see, do, and feel the same way we did before we were told to stay home.

Oh, The Places We’ll Go

I love to travel and, like so many others, my travel plans have come to a complete standstill. Spring break trips have been canceled and weekend getaways rescheduled. While it is disappointing, I do know I will travel again. So, while I am stuck in the house, I am dreaming about all the places I will go when the doors reopen. I’m thinking somewhere warm and tropical. And, while I’m dreaming about it, I might as well go ahead and order some tropical attire for the trip.

Oh, The People We’ll See

For many (like my girls), the hardest part of this whole thing is not being able to see the people we love outside of those we live with. It is so hard to explain to your kids why they can’t have playdates or meet up with their school friends. And as much as I appreciate being able to FaceTime or have Zoom video calls, I am already dreaming about the day when I can have drinks in person with my girlfriends. I’m already making a list of who I want to see and planning where to meet when the day arrives.

Oh, The Things We’ll Do

I imagine most of you reading this have already started to realize the things you took for granted like I have. Libraries, museums, gyms, restaurants – all closed. When we hear the word “open for business,” I imagine we will all rush to those places we love the most and have missed during our days at home. In the in-between time, I am taking my girls on virtual field trips to zoos and museums, and I’m taking advantage of the public library’s free electronic resources. But when the world re-opens, I will do ALL THE THINGS.

Oh, The Way We’ll Feel

Right now, we are all just doing our best to make it through this strange and unusual time – especially with kids at home. But being stuck at home for days on end can make anyone start to feel a little claustrophobic and anxious. So, I’m sure when we hear that the numbers are decreasing or, even better, that they’ve found a cure, we will feel instant relief. And yet, I hope we hold on to some of the way we are feeling right now. For many, the extra family time has been much needed, and the forced social distancing has made some people more social online. We’ve felt more empathetic and patient and kind. I hope those feelings don’t go away.

What are you dreaming, friends?