The Corona virus is here and many of us are social isolating ourselves and families. We will understandably feel stuck, lonely, overwhelmed, anxious, and bored. Our need to stockpile and prepare will go into overdrive. While it makes sense to gather necessary supplies to get our families through the next few weeks, we should be cautious about stockpiling so many supplies that we deprive our neighbors of necessities. With that in mind, however, here are 10 Things to Stockpile in a Crisis.
10 Things to Stockpile in a Crisis
1. Email addresses. While pen and paper are classic pen pal tools, an email will do in a pinch. You can even connect kid pen pals by taking photos of their notes, drawings, and sticker masterpieces.
2. Patience. Some of us struggle to find this in even the best of times. This is the moment to gather up extra stores of patience. And for when you run out…
3. Private spaces and Alone time. While finding some private time in the bathroom away from kids can count in an emergency, allow everyone (including you!) time and space apart. This may mean having older kids take turns coming out of their rooms to supervise when parents take a time out.
4. Books. My husband and I have been preparing for this moment for years. We buy up books at every library sale and I grab books at thrift shops, used book sellers, scholastic fairs, and Usborne parties. But you don’t need a home library if you can access ebooks through your library, Scholastic, The NY Public Library, NASA, and more. This is also a great time to visit your community library boxes or enjoy a library pick-up (if available).
5. Facebook Kids Messenger contacts. My kids love this app on their tablets! Parents control who they can be friends with and are able to monitor all messages. Plus, when you need some space, but still want to chat with family members, you can message across the house using overlays, silly video adds, and more.
6. Community. This terms means something different for everyone. Your community may be physical or virtual. In this time of isolation, uncertainty, and fear, check in on your friends. Send quick messages, share jokes, offer a listening ear, send a surprise package, video chat, create a Facebook live, share your talents, and offer to help wherever you can. Buy through pick-up from local restaurants, give to the local food bank, donate books to little libraries, and check in with your neighbors.
7. Games. Board games, video games, made-up games. These are a great way to engage in an organized, structured manner. We love Sardines (Hide and seek reversed. One person hides. Everyone else looks. When you find someone, you hide with them, until everyone is packed in like sardines, waiting for the final person to find them). Even classics like Duck, Duck, Goose and Twister can be surprisingly fun for all ages. Also, looking for all-ages online fun? Animal Crossing: New Horizons comes out tomorrow (https://amzn.to/390oZLe – My Amazon Affiliate link).
8. Hobbies. Now is the time to pursue that hobby you’re always planning on pursuing. If you’re like me, you may have craft supplies you always intend to get around to. Let yourself be a creator. Write. Sing. Build. Bake. Craft. Experiment.
9. Music. This is your moment to *finally* listen to the Hamilton Soundtrack on repeat. Introduce your kids to some classic music. Give their tunes a chance. Have a dance party. Crank up the tunes when you’re doing chores or feeling cooped up.
10. Stories. AJR tells us, “100 bad days made 100 good stories. 100 good stories make me interesting at parties.” Gather your stories. Record them on paper, computer, Facebook, video. It doesn’t feel like it now, but great stories will come from these bad-seeming days.
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