I have been watching how my six year old granddaughter deals with the COVID crisis and “shelter in place” guidelines.  I have decided that there are lessons that she (and other kids as well) can give us “grown-ups” during this time.

Here are a few:

Be Kind to Others. It Helps.  Our granddaughter showed kindness recently after our cat died.  Our cat just loved being outdoors and would let us know when she wanted in or out.  She had favorite spots in the backyard where she liked rolling in the dirt or sunning.  That all ended a few weeks ago when she was hit by a car.  We buried her in the backyard next to her favorite sunning rock; I can look out the kitchen window at the spot and imagine her there.

Our granddaughter came over a few days later and we told her about our cat.  The first question she asked was whether we had put flowers on the grave.  We had put a painted rock on top to mark her grave however had missed the flower department.  She had us help her get flowers from all the different flowering plants in the yard and then she arranged them on the grave in a heart shape…all her idea.  Only when she had arranged the flowers to her liking did she go off and do something else.  I thought that was such a kind thing for a young girl to do.

Stay active.  If I had as much energy as my granddaughter, I’m sure I would be more fit.  Why walk when you can run?  Why sit down when you can play?  It’s a great way to run off COVID stress.  Confined to the house or yard?  No problem.  Our granddaughter can make up a game out of just about any items on hand from flat balls to leaves and twigs.  The game normally involves running and she always gets to decide the rules.

Bring toys to bath time. Take your mind off the COVID pandemic.  There are play pots and pans to fill with water and little figurines to take a bath with you.  We are supposed to wash hands more during this pandemic; this is just a more fun way to do that.

Be creative with arts and crafts. COVID quarantine boredom?  Find glue, paper, scissors and markers or pipe cleaners and you have your next hour taken care of.  Hungry?  That’s a craft too.  My granddaughter had us cut up blueberries and strawberries and threaded them on turkey skewers to make kabobs.  Good to eat when done.

Good Sleep. Go to sleep instantly; sleep hard and long. Set those COVID worries aside for the nighttime and don’t forget to cuddle a “stuffie” as my granddaughter calls the stuffed animals she snuggles with.  Really soft stuffies are the best for sleeping on.  We grown-ups really should try it.

Best wishes to everyone as our city “slightly” opens up again. Stay safe.