While I don’t expect this new normal to last forever, I think we all need to find ways to feel somewhat normal during this challenging time. Routines and schedules are important, and yet so is spontaneity and flexibility. I really miss seeing people in person – but honestly our live-on-line classes have been a lot of fun. We are excited to continue them – even as an option once we’re able to be back together in person, especially for families who don’t live nearby or who have special circumstances. It’s strange how this Corona virus has crippled us and connected us at the same time. New Yorkers are resilient – all humans are by nature resilient – so it’s my hope that our normal will sooner than later mean being healthy and together.
I love hearing the cheers for healthcare providers and other essential workers every night at 7pm. I deeply appreciate the circles of support among my colleagues who run other programs for children – we share ideas, words of wisdom, even some frustration. We help to highlight each other’s classes and programs. Community, not competition. I love the way my students engage in class even when on camera. And I love seeing their joy again when parents share photos or videos of their little ones learning with me or another Baby Fingers teacher. While not easy, it’s my goal to keep my teaching team working as much as possible.
The struggle is real. It’s a challenging time, difficult to be sheltered in place, away from extended family and close friends, working from home if we’re lucky and facilitating learning from home if we’re able. It’s hard to fall asleep some nights, hard to get out of bed some mornings.
Trying to hold space for others can be difficult right now too; that space is bursting at the seams – sort of like our apartment. We weren’t expecting two men to move back home in March, but colleges had to close. Sharing physical space and finding private places to take classes, teach classes, study, practice music, exercise and just BE is challenging, even with a color coded schedule hanging on the fridge. 😉 And they weren’t expecting to be without their friends. They expressed gratitude for not being seniors right now, and they are with me in our concerns for families who have no work or are exposed to dangers at work or cannot access food or what they need for their school work… We are all grateful for this place we call home, for food on our table, for each other (though I’m not sure they’d really admit that!).
While each day presents the need for different ways of coping, there are silver linings here if we look for them – more family time, new creative channels, no LIRR commute for my college teaching/work, technology to help us stay connected and find new ways to engage… Keep in mind that such drastic changes in routine and opportunities to play with others can cause stress in our kids that will lead to some regression. Do your best to be patient, supportive, loving and in the moment – this too shall pass. I hope that Baby Fingers live on line classes via Zoom, our mini-lessons on social media and our YouTube channel videos will help make some of your days a bit more fun and relaxing. There’s more to come – let us know what might be most helpful for you too. We’re all in this together.