4 Ways to Help Girls Stay Connected to Friends & Family
march 23rd, 2020
With school closures and social distancing measures being implemented across the US, this is certainly a tough time for us all. One thing we’ve heard parents worry about is how to maintain their children’s social relationships and spirit as we navigate the spread of the coronavirus/COVID-19. That’s why today we’re sharing four ways you can help girls stay connected to family and friends.
Host a virtual playdate
Since real-life playdates are off the table for a while, consider hosting a virtual playdate. Plan out an activity in advance to make things less awkward, then use FaceTime or Skype to connect with another family. The key is to find some kind of activity that each girl can do from home, while chatting and having fun together. For example, the girls could get together virtually for a tea party (each with her own tea, snacks, etc.), or a lego building session.
Write letters
Remember pen pals? Encourage girls to keep up with friends and family by writing letters. If you go the paper and pen route, it’s a good way to practice writing/composition too. And with modern technology, there’s no need for a stamp or a trip to the post office. Just snap a pic of the letter and send it via text.
“Read” with a family member
Being apart from family can be tough. Sure, kids can talk to grandparents and family members via FaceTime, but sometimes kids can be awkward and unsure of what to say. One idea is to have a family member read a book via video chat. Kids always love stories and a familiar voice makes it extra special.
Organize a class “meeting"
It may be a bit jarring for some kids to suddenly find themselves away from school, or even done with school for the year. One way classes can stay connected is by using virtual meeting technology like Zoom to get together for a class “meeting”. Video conference platforms usually require a paid account and a little bit of know-how to schedule a meeting. If you’d like to give this a go, see if you can find a parent that already has an account through their work and is familiar enough to set things up easily. They can also control the audio if things get a little wild.
These ideas were developed with girls in mind, but please don’t forget to take care of yourself. It’s important for all of us to remember to find ways to stay connected, even as we’re apart.
4 Ways to Help Girls Stay Connected to Friends & Family
march 23rd, 2020
With school closures and social distancing measures being implemented across the US, this is certainly a tough time for us all. One thing we’ve heard parents worry about is how to maintain their children’s social relationships and spirit as we navigate the spread of the coronavirus/COVID-19. That’s why today we’re sharing four ways you can help girls stay connected to family and friends.
Host a virtual playdate
Since real-life playdates are off the table for a while, consider hosting a virtual playdate. Plan out an activity in advance to make things less awkward, then use FaceTime or Skype to connect with another family. The key is to find some kind of activity that each girl can do from home, while chatting and having fun together. For example, the girls could get together virtually for a tea party (each with her own tea, snacks, etc.), or a lego building session.
Write letters
Remember pen pals? Encourage girls to keep up with friends and family by writing letters. If you go the paper and pen route, it’s a good way to practice writing/composition too. And with modern technology, there’s no need for a stamp or a trip to the post office. Just snap a pic of the letter and send it via text.
“Read” with a family member
Being apart from family can be tough. Sure, kids can talk to grandparents and family members via FaceTime, but sometimes kids can be awkward and unsure of what to say. One idea is to have a family member read a book via video chat. Kids always love stories and a familiar voice makes it extra special.
Organize a class “meeting"
It may be a bit jarring for some kids to suddenly find themselves away from school, or even done with school for the year. One way classes can stay connected is by using virtual meeting technology like Zoom to get together for a class “meeting”. Video conference platforms usually require a paid account and a little bit of know-how to schedule a meeting. If you’d like to give this a go, see if you can find a parent that already has an account through their work and is familiar enough to set things up easily. They can also control the audio if things get a little wild.
These ideas were developed with girls in mind, but please don’t forget to take care of yourself. It’s important for all of us to remember to find ways to stay connected, even as we’re apart.