I have not written in a while since the work-home grind keeps us busy from morning to night. The added (and ever changing) sanitary precautionary measures keep us on our toes. Here are some of the topics that I have been mulling over these past few weeks. As always, I enjoy reading your reactions in the comment box below.
Screen Time
Our world is constantly changing. On the plus side, despite the distancing measures due to the pandemic of 2020, technology has allowed us to connect albeit virtually with friends and family near and far.
However on the down side, our screen time has increased drastically in the past decade. Screen time coupled with the World Wide Web today includes not only television but also video games, computers, tablets and smart phones. According to Stats Can, on average children and youth aged 5 to 17 had 3 hours of screen time per day. Screen time was slightly lower for children (2.5 hours) compared to youth (4 hours). There were no differences between boys (3 hours) and girls (3 hours). Considering a child is awake for 12 hours a day, they are spending a quarter of their time awake in front of a screen. In the article Screen Time vs Green Time Jill Sturdy writes:“Excessive screen time is becoming a public health issue. We have seen a dramatic shift in the way Canadian kids and teens are spending their time, with less time playing outside, and more time spent indoors, sedentary and screen-based.” As a consequence, there is also an alarming rise in adult and youth anxiety and depression.
It’s going to be a cold dark winter
Parental Stress
The big Corona is always at the back of my mind. It’s impossible to have a conversation that does not indirectly allude to the topic. I was alarmed at the average daily screen time posted on my weekly phone update (2 hours 9 minutes.) I listen to the world and local news, then I worry so I scroll through the latest headlines on La Presse, CBC News, BBC News, The Guardian. The short articles are frequently updated. Nonetheless, they cover the same topic: the 2020 Coronavirus Global Pandemic. New vaccines. New restrictions. On Repeat. I’ve have come to realize that contrary to my intended goal of R&R, the more I scroll the news or social media, the WORSE I feel. It’s just not relaxing! But like a fly to the flame, I keep on doing it. According to this article in the New York Times: “new studies show caregivers with young children are stressed, with no signs of relief on the horizon” for this and many others reasons, The Pandemic is a Mental Health Crisis for Parents.
I try my best to stop scrolling social media. Focus more on writing. Quick write. Put down every idea that is going through my mind. Eventually it will make sense and might be something interesting enough to want to share with you, dear reader.
Don’t focus on what you can’t do. Instead focus on what you can do.
It’s all about perspective.
Naptime anywhere
Make New Memories
I can count my blessings. There is my my health, my family, my job (albeit it front line and demanding, it delivers a regular pay check and the students keep me on my toes.) I am Cocooning for the long dark winter months ahead. An eternal optimist – I try to see the good in all of this. More time at home with the family. Slow down. I will actually finish a library book before the 3 week due date is up. Then I can watch the corny movies on my Netflix saved wish. Otherwise, I pick up the phone and call an old friend for a real catch up.
Just the other day, I lamented to a mommy friend how this 2020 holiday season was going to feel extra long and might be extra boring since most of our “go-to” activities: museum, pool, library, play date, concerts have been cancelled. My plan is to have a Brainstorming list with the whole family and make a huge list of all the things be they big or small that we would like to do this winter. Everyday I plan to cross something off the list.
In progress: Christmas Brainstorm
The parenting magazine Naître et Grandir suggests 26 ways to enjoy winter. So get outside! I am lucky to live close to nature of Gatineau Park where we can walk in the snow and observe wild animal footprints. We live near a river where we can watch the sun color red, orange and pink in the sky on the walk home from school. Finally, we live close to the capital city of Ottawa where we can observe the twinkling Christmas lights. Don’t just take it from me. The following article from the New York Times provides simple tips on How to be Happy.
We have to strive to make the best of it. During this pandemic, which has drastically reduced our social gatherings and the access to leisure and cultural activities, we have the precious gift of time to develop new routines and make new memories.
