How to Improve Social Distancing for the Entire Family

With COVID-19 spreading across the globe and social distancing becoming our new reality for a time, it can feel overwhelming to know how to navigate the changes.

At the Connecthome office, we continue to practice healthy safety guidelines as set forth by the CDC, and have transferred much of our work online. We continue to show houses (virtually and in-person) ensuring that both our agents and our clients are careful to sanitize their hands, avoid touching surfaces unnecessarily, and that homes are wiped clean after each showing. 

We are also connecting with clients on video chats and over the phone, ensuring that the home buying and selling process continues without interruption. We’re incredibly grateful for the digital tools that make it possible for us to continue serving you in the midst of COVID-19 challenges. 

As we adjust and learn to live without our normal social events, spaces, and activities, we wanted to take the time to highlight some ways to enhance this season of social distancing. Whether you’re at home with elderly parents, by yourself, or with your young kids, here are several ways to keep the entire family connected during this time. 

Enjoy the Great Outdoors

While beaches and some public spaces are closed in order to limit large crowds, many parks, trails, and greenways remain open. Getting out and enjoying fresh air and spring weather is the perfect way to boost your spirits and enjoy time with your family. 

Go for a walk or hike, enjoy a picnic in the park, and remember that social distancing doesn’t mean you can’t be outside in nature. If staying close to home is preferred, try spending time in the garden. Turn your gardening chores into a fun time with the kids, identifying new plants, pulling weeds, and planting your spring seeds and bulbs. 

Go on A Virtual Field Trip

If kids (and parents) are feeling disappointed about canceled spring break plans, consider taking the family on a virtual field trip. Zoos, national parks, and museums are providing virtual tours and educational programs so kids can continue to learn and be exposed to the amazing animals, outdoor spaces, and exhibits available around the country (and internationally). 

Implement Online Learning

This one applies to both the kids—who are dealing with school closures—and the adults facing some unexpected free time. Not only are there many paid online education resources for kids, but some companies, such as Scholastic, are also launching free online learning portals. These resources provide access to curriculum, lessons, and ideas for learning from home. 

For the adults, now might be a great time to catch up on your own online learning. Resources like LinkedIn learning, Creative Live, and MasterClass offer courses on everything from leadership to writing a book. Now that you have fewer social obligations, invest in new skills for your job or take some time to pursue a new (or old) hobby. 

Start a New Tradition

Need to get your mind off the fact that you’re stuck at home? Consider creating a new tradition for yourself or your family.

• Friday movie night
• Evening family walk 
• Cookie Tuesday (or Wednesday, or Thursday, or every day)
• Daily reading hour
• Family scavenger hunts
• Daily bike rides
• Game night

Brainstorm some ideas that will be entertaining for the entire family and start creating fun, new traditions or daily rhythms that allow you to take advantage of this slower pace of life. 

Help a Neighbor

One great way to stay connected despite the social distancing is to find out if any of your neighbors need support. Some of our elderly community cannot get to the store by themselves and their usual support system may not be available. 

Take some time to call your neighbors and see if anyone needs you to run to the grocery store, help with a small chore around the house, or simply provide a listening ear (over the phone or at a distance, of course).