For work-from-home parents, one of the most challenging things to do is figuring out ways to keep the kids quiet during business calls, conference calls, and virtual meetings. No one said working from home would be a walk in the park, but it can sure be enjoyable even for the kids, especially when parents designate activities that allow them some quiet time and personal exploration.
One of the most memorable parts of camp is making new friends, and for ‘Best Friends’ week at #CampCaribu, we’re featuring our favorite friendship stories to share with the little ones you love! Enjoy reading about old friends and new ones, and the special bonds between siblings, pets, and even animals. Explore the ups and downs of peer interactions, and learn some valuable lessons about what it means to be a good friend. Celebrate friendships and connect with friends near and far to read together from a safe social distance.
For older adults who are separated from friends and family by distance, video chatting provides a convenient way to stay connected any time, any place. Video calling has several benefits over traditional phone calls. Seniors can see the faces of grandkids and other family members instead of just hearing their voices, making communication more personal and interactive. Video chatting also allows family members to check in on their senior loved ones and see how they are doing, which is especially important if they cannot visit often.
After spending months keeping her 6-year-old daughter occupied with nature hikes, scavenger hunts and virtual playdates, Julia Devetski was hoping she could finally return to work full time again once the energetic rising first grader was back in the classroom this fall at her school in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood. But as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to rage — and after learning that her daughter and her Chicago Public Schools classmates will be doing remote learning at home at least part of the time when the new school year starts in September — Devetski joined the soaring ranks of parents who are counting on “pandemic pods” or “micro-schools” as a solution to their dilemma.
The Caribu app is an excellent tool to support kids’ reading while they are learning from home. It provides an easy-to-access library of hundreds of books and activities that children can read and enjoy from almost any device, anywhere in the world. They can connect in a video-call with relatives near and far to share in learning together, or read independently with the app at their fingertips. Caribu’s in-app library organizes books by age level and subject so families can easily select books that match children’s interests and skills. Read on to learn more about how to assist your kids’ distance learning, and how you can use Caribu to prevent summer slide and enjoy virtual playdates.
What I’ve come to realize with clarity in these dark, anxious times is that so many of our problems “with technology” don’t emanate from the screens that our children are glued to but from the disruption and alienation that creeps into our own relationships with ourselves and others as we allow our experiences and tough emotions to be mediated, numbed out, blurred, by media. The phone is like a fentanyl lollipop; yes, it’s possible to abuse, but our pain, and the massive pain of the world driving us to it, is arguably the real problem.
Whether you leave the house or just need a caregiver to keep your children safe while you’re working from home in another room, you’ll need to know how to keep your kids and your babysitter safe during COVID-19.
Are your kids or grandkids looking for things to do this summer? Besides being a fun project, encouraging kids to prepare and/or cook food can be a great opportunity to teach them life skills such as kitchen and food safety, tips about nutrition/health, hygiene, and even math. It can also give kids a sense of value, accomplishment, and maturity as they enjoy the reward of eating the delicious finished product. Over time as their skills improve, they might even be timesavers for you in making food for the family.
Bring out your pots and pans — it’s time to cook and connect with your favorite family members! This week, #CampCaribu presents a menu of ‘Fun With Food’ books and activities for you to try together in a video-call. Each day, Caribu will feature two books: an “Entrée” book that tells a story involving food or cooking; and a “Side Dish” book that shares a specific recipe. Pick one or both to read and inspire your kitchen staff, and prepare some treats together!
Aunts and uncles can also be the adult friend a child needs. For example, a child could be too nervous to talk about their crush in math class or the bully on the playground with their parents. They certainly want to address these issues with someone but may feel their parents will be dismissive or explosive about what’s bothering them. Cue in the “cool uncle” who listens without the judgmental and presumptive attitudes parents could show when addressing touchy topics with their kids. Aunts and uncles may have a more relaxed approach with their nieces and nephews, offering different and more encouraging solutions to a child’s problems. They are more likely to tell their nieces and nephews embarrassing stories about their parents. These and other entertaining exchanges could help solidify a powerful and trusting relationship between aunts and uncles and nieces and nephews for many years.