2 minute read
"Finding a New Normal: Socializing with Young Children Amid a Pandemic
by Jen Marlette
Rewind to February, and my three-year-old and I were regulars for Monday morning storytime at Lorain Public Library System’s main branch with Miss Dawn. We had just started visiting the Lorain Historical Society on Tuesdays to enjoy and learn in the Children’s Room. The Lorain County Metro Parks was in their second month of a brand-new program, Eco Kids, held at the Sunset Café at Lakeview Park. We had attended both classes and looked forward to the weather breaking in hopes the third class would be outdoors.
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Then everything came to a screeching halt mid-March.
Now, summer is just beginning. Ohio has been slowly re-opening for over a month, but with this coronavirus still very much a part of our lives, how can we resume social outings and playdates with our young kids?
The Erie Shores Early Childhood PTA (ESECPTA), of which we are members, decided to kick off summer with a parking lot party.
The American Slovak Club on Broadway Avenue generously offered their location. This venue enabled ESECPTA to hold their event privately with ample space to distance families and kids, depending on everyone’s comfort level.
The theme of this year’s summer party was the 2020 Olympics.
Each family picked a country and decorated their car. We were very excited when Lorain Local Magazine accepted our invitation to judge the best car.
Photo by Jen Navarro, Navarro Photography
The first-place prize went to the Philippines, pictured above.
Our party coordinator distributed swag bags to each family filled with crafts, games, goodies, and fun facts about the Olympics and numerous countries. We set up contactless activities for the kids.
Photo by Jen Navarro, Navarro Photography
One of which was an obstacle course that could be made more challenging by using items found in their bags.
In the past, ESECPTA has always provided a meal and plenty of snacks for the children. This time, families were encouraged to pack a lunch and tailgate at their cars. The kids also brought bikes and tricycles to ride around safely in the open parking lot.
With so many activities and events canceled over the last four months, I am glad ESECPTA found a way to ease families back into social gatherings.
Hopefully, all of you are finding your new normal, and safely reconnecting with your friends and families that you have dearly missed over these last few months.
(The Erie Shores Early Childhood PTA is a non-profit group made up of families residing in Lorain and surrounding cities. We provide meaningful experiences for families through events, playdates, and mom/parent nights out. We offer a support network to parents/caregivers of young children (birth through kindergarten).
For more information, visit: https://www.facebook.com/ESECPTA/ or email us at erieshoresearlychildhoodpta@gmail.com.)
Photo by Jen Navarro, Navarro Photography
