What a strange new game we all learning to play right now. What should have been spring break, Easter and the start of youth sports seasons for many families has turned into hunkering down and being cautious of how close you get to people if and when you leave the domicile.
What will this quarantine mean for your family?
There are many people who are braving this pandemic, business as usual, by doing their work and living their normal day-to-day lives due to the nature of their careers. There are also some of us who have had to completely shift gears and learn how to be as productive as possible while working from home. And still, there are those of us who have been unexpectedly laid off or had their hours reduced. Prayers go out to all of you to be healthy through this – physically, mentally and financially.
I have to admit, it is hard for me not to worry about the future. It seemed like things had been getting better for most over the last several years, and now this.
Our families are too busy for our own good.
In our busy lives, it has become all too common to have our weeks scheduled at work and also in the evenings. Taking kids to dance class, karate, scouts, baseball, softball, piano or the thousands of other things we have enrolled our children in has become very taxing on the family structure. Mom and Dad, in many households, are going separate ways almost daily to get the kids where they need to go.
Maybe part of God’s plan with this pandemic is to actually reestablish our families by slowing us down. Maybe He is telling us all to quit focusing only on relationships outside of the home, and pull our nuclear families closer. Maybe He wants us to know that parents need to spend time laughing and playing with their children when all looks grim. Maybe this will be the most memorable time in our children’s lives.
What are you going to do with this opportunity?
Men, our role and our opportunity to impact our families for the good may be greater and more important now than ever before. My primitive instinct to be the leader, the protector, is starting to kick in. Are you sensing that, too?
I am a creature of habit, and have scheduled my work day almost to the minute to keep me on task. I’ve been convicted of the need to take the same approach to my family schedule. So, moving forward, here is my evening schedule:
5:00 – Poll the family to discover what we want to have for dinner
5:15 – Gather the answers and pick one (We’re usually going to pick my idea!)
5:30 – Cook dinner as a family; everyone is involved
6:00 – Sit down and enjoy dinner as a family
6:45 – Take a walk around the neighborhood as a family
7:30 – Play a family game
This seems like it may be a little rigid. However, this little bit of structure will get the kids away from their electronics for a while. It’ll get us all in the same room, working on the same thing. And, it’ll provide an opportunity for us to genuinely connect with one another.
Whatever the structure looks like for your family is up to you. But your kids need you to lead in this way now more than ever. Engage with your family on a deeper level. Find joy in the darkness, and this too will pass.
Sincerely,
Jarod Turner
Executive Director, Avon Junior Athletic Association
A Man IN Action
P.S. This is an unprecedented situation so don’t feel bad if you’re struggling to find ideas. Scroll down for some suggested activities for your family. If you do any of these activities, share on social media tagging @ShelteringWings and using #ShelteringSafely.
Family Activities
Crosswalk.com – 15 Things to Do with Your Family While You Are Quarantined
Fatherly.com – The Best Indoor Games for Quarantined Kids and Families
TheGospelCoalition.org – Don’t Waste Your Family Quarantine
VisitHendricksCounty.com – Things To Do at Home in Hendricks County
FamiliesFirstIndiana.org – 50 Family Activities that Don’t Involve Screens
TravelAndLeisure.com – 12 Famous Museums Offering Virtual Tours
40 Developmental Assets
Men IN Action is based upon the 40 Developmental Assets Framework by Search Institute.
The assets are positive life experiences and qualities young people need to grow into successful, thriving and contributing members of their community. If you interact with young people – as a parent, teacher, coach or mentor – you are uniquely positioned to make a positive impact.
We recently added the assets to the prevention section of our website. Browse for activities you can use as you interact with your kids and any additional young people in your life.
Mark Your Calendars
We’ll gather at the Avon Washington Township Park Pavilion on Tuesday, October 6, for breakfast, fellowship and encouragement.
We launched Men IN Action at this event a few years ago and it has been a highly anticipated annual event ever since. Not only is it a good chance to hear from challenging guest speakers, you’ll be able to interact with men who share your commitment to making a positive impact in their homes and across the community.
Watch our website and your inboxes more info in the coming months.
