Note: During the COVID-19 crisis, we are sharing original content with our community via social media in an effort to support families at home with their young children. We are republishing some of this content on our blog.
“Connection is why we’re here; it is what gives purpose and meaning to our lives.” - Brene Brown
We’ve all heard that the days are long and the years are short with young children, but never has this been more resonant than during the long days of the COVID-19 pandemic when families are sheltered together at home. Some parents are working from home while balancing the needs (and demands and overwhelming emotions) of their children. No matter your life circumstances right now, everyone is feeling a little frayed at the edges. We truly believe that everyone (everyone!) is doing their best, yet the majority of parents are questioning themselves, doubting their emotional reserves, and feeling that they are coming up short.
At Nature’s Explorers, we’ve been vociferously championing the work that parents are doing not to give an unearned gold star to drowning grown-ups, but because we KNOW that YOU are doing everything you need to be doing right now, based on the science. The fact is that the number one thing your children need right now is the very same thing that you yourself require as a human being: connection. And you’re doing that. You’re providing the same consistent routine care that you always have. You’re doing it All The Time.
Human connections are rooted in the small, mundane routines of daily life. Those moments of intentional attention and care, like changing a diaper, wiping a little face, hugging a small body to yours first thing in the morning. When you feed your child for the millionth time today and repeat the silly phrases that make them smile, you’re feeding the human connections that keep them safe and grounded. Beat by beat, step by step, every single day you are laying the groundwork for the neural superhighway that wires them for life.
The most impactful connections don’t happen through elaborate Pinterest activities but through the most mundane and predictable moments in everyday home life. We KNOW that YOU are doing exactly what your child needs you to do right now because you are there. You’re in it together. You keep showing up each day with a smile for the light of your life.
What we learn again and again as teachers is that when it comes to building connections, you don’t have to be perfect. You don’t have to match an image that you’ve created in your mind for what a Teacher is. You have to be authentically, openly YOU. And this goes double, triple, quadruple for parents at home. You are doing the most important thing you can possibly do by being there, by being together, and by showing your child your strength and your vulnerability.
You are doing the hard work and the heart work of connecting with your children every single day when you: listen to them, hold them, smile at them, sing to them, help them, share a feeling with them, share a memory with them, watch them, respond to them, and read to them. Have you done any of those things today? OF COURSE you have. Because YOU are doing exactly what your child needs right now.
We couldn’t be more proud of you and we can’t wait to give you the big hug you’ve earned. Keep going, Parents. You’ve got this.
