In my last post -- presuming that 2020 would not be summer as usual -- I advised parents to think “what if”, evaluate your risk tolerance and turn to your tribe to lay the groundwork for when summertime decision time arrived.
Well…it’s here.
While a number of states are cautiously reopening, some parents have already decided that it feels too risky for them to have their kids away from home in any capacity this summer. Other parents, who had hoped the kids could still attend their annual camp, are just now hearing about 2020 closings or deciding against the relatively restrictive and rather un-camp-like CDC guidelines for summer camps.
As a result, both working and stay-at-home parents are surrendering to the idea that summer 2020 is going to be a DIY project for the whole family.
But first, there are feelings to be shared. Lots of feelings.
As the pandemic morphed from the early days of uncertainty to weeks of cancellations and shut-downs, children of all ages have had to endure an unending string of disappointments in a very short period of time. Even so, there remained the hope that “maybe” the virus would be contained by summer and they could resume some sense of normalcy.
Now that has been taken from them too.
The result? Kids are grieving -- and need their parents to help them navigate yet another loss.
Over and over in my blog, I’ve talked about how parents can help kids feel seen and validated, whatever their feelings. The “guidance” is even more important during COVID:
· Give kids space to share their frustration and anger without criticizing or judging
· Acknowledge the depth of their disappointment and grief; don’t minimize it
· Validate their feelings and be empathic
· Take the opportunity to teach (or remind) them that feelings are fluid and don’t last forever
· Reassure them that you’re confident they will get through it
· Let them know they can come to you whenever their negative feelings resurface or flare up
· Provide the wider perspective of the global experience and their relative privilege
· Help them shift their focus to the things they can control
As a parent coach and educational therapist, I’d be remiss if I didn’t call out the huge side benefit of helping kids manage their negative emotions due to the pandemic -- and that’s strengthening their resilience in the face of obstacles.
And as famed author and parenting pro Julie Lythcott-Haims points out, “Maybe this is an opportunity for children to reclaim some of the very best aspects of childhood that we’ve paved over with enrichment programs.” Indeed.
Even with those upsides, the question remains: what are the options for kids this summer now that baseball games, camp, pools, sleepovers, amusement parks and all the other traditional activities of summertime are no longer part of the equation?
One thing’s for sure. Some of the best answers for how to spend Summer 2020 will emerge by giving our kids a leading role. In fact, giving children a sense of responsibility and ownership over their summer is yet another resilience- and creativity-building process. Not to mention, giving kids agency over hot to craft a fun summer translates to the type of buy-in that money and pleading just can’t buy.
A family meeting is a great place to start the brainstorming. With the oldest child or a parent acting as the scribe, let your kids imagine how they might turn their favorite summertime activities into things they can safely do at home. Suggest weekly themes to riff off of. Explore online classes and virtual activities. Schedule a camping weekend in your backyard. Add a hefty dose of DIY opportunities. Build in a variety of skill-learning options -- with end-of-summer prizes and awards. Allow for some screen and reading time, too.
And be prepared for meltdowns, frustration and the “growth opportunity” that frustration will bring (including your own!).
I’m not suggesting that creating a bespoke summer camp will be a cakewalk -- nor do I for a second underestimate the enormous logistics effort required to get kids signed up, supplies bought and guardrails put in place. Yet I maintain that the pandemic offers parents the chance to acknowledge the profound loss for the entire family -- and to project the confidence that as a family, you’ll get through it.
There are tons of resources online - almost too many. So I’ve compiled a short list of options (see below), that run the gamut from camp-in-a-box deliveries to DIY projects for all ages to interactive virtual camps on subjects from fashion to ocean science to get you started. Many are offering discounts due to the pandemic and several are free.
Summer is here, whether we are ready or not; if you need support, I’m here.
SUMMER 2020 Online Resources
activityhero.com Hub for live interactive classes and camps including fashion, cooking, coding, ocean science and more for kids of all ages.
camp.wonderopolis.org FREE online summer-learning destination.
connectedcamps.com Founded by three “girls geeks,” this nonprofit focuses on the positive potential of tech. Game design and architecture largely through Minecraft platform. Ages 8-17
creativebug.com Arts and crafts activities taught through award-winning videos.
diy.org Clearinghouse for step-by-step video instruction on a variety of projects for kids capable of independent work. Rube goldberg machines, drawing demos, sewing activities and more.
idtech.com Virtual weeklong tech camps + online private lessons in coding, STEM, game development, etc. Ages 7+.
https://www.musicinst.org. Music Institue of Chicago. Private lessons and groups K-12, beginners on up. Musical theater camps and teaching how to play an instrument.
https://www.nashvillechildrenstheatre.org Fully integrated and interactive online theater classes -- including online productions -- for ages 8-18.
mycampbox.com Joys and crafts of summer camp delivered to your doorstep. Interactive elements including Campfire Chats via Zoom. Ages 6+.
outschool.com Fun, social and safe online learning experiences over live video for kids 3-18.
ctd.northwestern.edu Center for Talent Development at Northwestern is offering online opportunities for kids from pre-school through high school.
unicoistudio.com “Together we Camp” art projects to go plus live virtual classes.
varsitytutors.com Week long camps. K-12. 1 hour live daily classes taught by celebrity instructors.
wideopenschool.org A FREE online learning resource hub for all ages, including virtual field trips.