Being there for your kids - Birthday Options during the Pandemic

Episode Date: February 6, 2021

How to put together a fun birthday party for a 5 year old during the pandemic can stretch your creativity. This young mom of 3 preschoolers has her hands full. What could be available options? Next, a 13 year old young teen is bummed by the pandemic restrictions which, in her words, "suck." Helping her get out of her funk is the challenge. Do you have parenting questions for me? Email me.

Hi, I'm Dr. John Robinson, and this is Teachable Moments. I have a few more letters for you today. Here's one. Dear Dr. Robinson, since this pandemic has started, I've been isolating at home with my three preschoolers. My husband still goes into work, and it freaks me out every night when he comes home. None of us has tested positive for COVID-19, thank God, but that doesn't keep me for being over-cautious and over-protective. My five-year-old asked to have his friends over for a birthday party, like always. He and his brothers have been playing in the house with each other all these months. We're all stir-crazy. Should I just bite the bullet and put together a normal birthday party for Bobby

and pray that it's not a super spurt or event? Signed, At a Loss. Dear At a Loss, boy, do you have lots of company. I don't know how those brave souls back in the day put up with a pandemic for two years. in 1918 through 1920. It's only been six months, and our whole country is just about done with it all. However, being done with it will not make it go away.

Hosting a super spreader birthday party will be a short-term gain, Bobby's happiness, with a possible long-term loss. Let's don't even go there. So think about possible creative options. First, could Bobby have a Zoom party with six of his best friends? Get the word out so that presents are received before the Zoom call and have Bobby open them with his pals.

Have each of their parents available to help them share fun and funny things that have happened to each of them since they were last together in person. Zoom stories, magic tricks, or other visuals that all can share. Don't forget the birthday cake. Blow out the candles and afterward send each virtual guest their slice of a birthday cake. It could all be fun after all. Another option is to have the party outside with everybody masked up and socially distant. Obviously, this option is more tricky, but possibly doable. Bobby could take wax at a birthday pinaata and share the candy with all.

They could socially distance a treasure hunt in the yard. Finally, if your doubts and safeguards are too much to bear, then level with Bobby, an act of listen, his frustration, and disappointment that he won't be having a typical birthday party this year. Also, help him put together a family birthday extravaganza that will be safe for all involved. Oh, by the way, tell Bobby, happy birthday for me. Blessings, Dr. John. Here's another letter. Dear Dr. Robinson, my mom suggested that I email you. I'm turning 13 next week. The pandemic shutdown sucks. Waring a mask increases my pimples.

I'm tired of being at home, doing virtual learning, or rather finding ways to get out of doing it. Usually my birthday is the best time of the year for me because of presents, fun, and friends. Not this year, signed Down in the Dumps. Dear D&D, my heart goes out to you. The restrictions and expectations during this pandemic are taking their toll on all of us. The whole we're in this together thing is catchy but trite. What about you? How do you deal with this whole mess?

One way that could help you, but also keep everybody safe, is to journal your feelings. Get them all down on paper. Keep it or throw it away, if you like. But get them out and read it back to yourself. Try to fill up at least two pages with feelings and circumstances. Be creative. Also, talk to your folks, your bestie, or another whom you see as a confidant. Getting your feelings acknowledged as real and valid helps a lot. Next, brainstorm how you can have your birthday despite all the restrictions. Virtual by Zoom, open air, masked, and social. distance? What else? Finally, look to the future. Take a moment to write down your plans for an awesome birthday party next year when the pandemic is in our rearview mirror. Make it fun, fantastic, but also realistic about time and expense. That way, it's doable and you can count on it. Hope these options are helpful. Say hi to your mom for me. I'm glad she suggested that you email me. Later? Blessings, John. If these letters stir questions of your own, contact me through my website at www.

www. Thereformykids.com or email me at John Robinson 0.0.0.Belsouth. I'm Dr. Jonathan C. Robinson, licensed clinical psychologist and author of Teachable Moments, building blocks of Christian Parenting. And this has been Teachable Moments.

Teachable Moments, Building Blocks of Christian Parenting is available online at AmazonBooks.com and in local and national bookstores. More on Dr. Robinson at TMC. p-in-c.com