March 14, 2020.
The unprecedented situation with Covid-19 has left our communities with more questions than answers. With a lack of a consistent message from our local and national leaders, and constantly changing facts, parents are looking for comfort and direction. We all should be doing what we can to check in on and support each other.
I was panicking myself yesterday, wondering if 162 pounds of pasta was really going to be enough for 5 people, and worrying about how we were going to manage our three children. Keeping everyone safe from the virus is one thing; keeping them all mentally and physically engaged is another entirely. Two weeks of social distancing can easily turn into the kids being constantly zombied-out on electronics or bickering about what show to plug into next. I saw this as a situation that could go sideways real fast. Yikes.
What does a creative type-A person do in this situation? Color code a chart, of course.
Here is our Covid-19 family schedule. It’s not meant to be globally applicable, but is tailored for our family and our kids ages. In our case, work-from-home means quiet time in the middle of the day is a must. And two of my three need physical activity or we’ll end up with a scene that rivals what happens when you feed the gremlins after midnight.
Apparently, I am not the only one who fears the gremlins turning on us. This chart, posted on FB for my own friends, has been shared over 170K (one hundred seventy thousand!!) times so far, and all around the globe. I’m walking around with my virtual awesome-mom trophy, because this job is tough and we should all take a win where we can!
To my clients and other families: use this as a jumping off point. Something to start you thinking about how you are going to keep your crew smiling though unknown days and weeks ahead. We are all going to have to adjust daily as risk levels fluctuate and we each have to navigate a sea of information and mis-information that is barreling towards us faster than ever.
#ChaosLoved is the name I gave to the family and portrait division of Jessica McHale Photography. It encompasses everything I feel as a mom. Pretty simple, really. Total complete chaos + unconditional love.
Stay safe. Stay Healthy. And enjoy every moment you can in the coming weeks. Don’t forget to take photos!
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