“So how has it been going now that you don’t have school? Are you enjoying it?” “I did at first. But now kinda miss my friends and my teacher. I also miss some of my classes and some of the fun stuff we did at school. Like music. Will we go back soon dad?” “I don’t know sweetie. It kinda depends.” “I hope we do. I miss it.”
“I don’t miss it. No tests. No teachers. I can get my work done at home whenever.” “So you don’t miss your friends like your sister?” “Well, yeah.” “And what about your contest coming up? You don’t mind missing it?” “Well I do, but. This should be over in a couple weeks right? I mean, it should be gone before this summer?” “I’m pretty sure that if anyone tells you a time frame, they are lying. No one really knows right now. And yeah, it may cancel some events for the summer.” “I heard some people say that it’s all a joke. And that there really isn’t anything to worry about. It’s just people getting carried away. Is that true?” “I think the truth is a bit more in the middle then that sweetie. I do think some people have gotten carried away and have gotten way to excited about it. I think that there are some people that are treating it as a joke. This isn’t the right way of thinking either. These people almost seem like it is an inconvenience for them. I don’t know. But it is serious. Your sister misses being in school and her friends. So take it easy on her. She doesn’t understand all of this.” “I just want this stupid stuff to be over.” “Me too sweetie.” “And Dad. I do miss school a little bit.”
I have had some people ask me just this question. What do the kids think of all of this? What is on their mind. And the short answer is they are just as confused as we are. And for people with kids. Ask them. Odds are you will find out it mirrors your thoughts.
It’s very easy for us to get lost with the craziness of what’s going on. And some times we can lose perspective of the things that matter most. Being there for one another can help a lot. After all, we really don’t know any more than our kids do. So we really can’t expect them to know.
With this in mind, reach out to some one. Your kids. Your family. Your neighbors. Whoever. We are all in the same boat at the end of the day. And odds are we are all having the same thoughts and fears. We can make the world a little brighter in what is a dark time. And who knows? Just maybe this is what we needed to pull family and friends back together? Maybe this can be one good thing that comes from all of this.
Until next time.