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I keep thinking about @tiziana_dearing's question today about engaging your kids in school decisions -- and how @TracyNovick did that with her kids.
My brain couldn't work fast enough. I started to think -- well my kids aren't school-aged. But really, I engage my kids in some decisions in a less direct way than I would if they were older.
Before day care reopened this month, I asked my 4yo many times about how he felt being at home, what he liked about it, what he thought about not being in school, if he wanted to go back.
It wasn't so he could make the decision. That's a lot for a 4yo. But so he could guide us in making this decision together. So we could keep communicating about the virus, about transmission, about what we want as a family.
I never thought it about engaging him in the decision, but I guess I was in our own little way. Because I'm watching him closely and talking with him. If it doesn't feel right for him to be back at preschool, I want to pivot.
And I know what a privilege that is to be able to do so.
He's actually loving being back with his friends. He's completely fine wearing a mask most of the day. (Even told me the mask is like a net that can catch your cough and bring it back to you).
He's actually loving being back with his friends. He's completely fine wearing a mask most of the day. (Even told me the mask is like a net that can catch your cough and bring it back to you).
Do I worry? Of course! What we've known about the virus and children is still evolving.
But I feel we're anchored by our little chats, snuggled up in bed, talking about the day an letting him ask 100 questions about things he's seen or wondered about.
But I feel we're anchored by our little chats, snuggled up in bed, talking about the day an letting him ask 100 questions about things he's seen or wondered about.
And I think that's a pretty powerful lesson: To listen to your kid (no matter the age) and to try to be "unruffled" (to borrow from Janet Lansbury) even when there's so much uncertainty.
