Q. It has been about five weeks now since weāve spent time with my aging parents due to COVID-19. This is the longest that weāve spent apart, given that we live near each other and are used to visiting at least once a week. My children are eager to visit their grandparents and my parents are bursting at the seams to see us face-to-face. While weāve had fun visiting virtually, weāre ready to spend time together in person. Now that the weather is cooperating, we wanted to try a social distancing visit. Do you have any suggestions to help us make the most of our visit?
A. I want to start by commending you for adhering to the stay-at-home orders. This crisis hasnāt been easy on anyone, but you are doing your part to stop the spread so that our lives can resume sooner, rather than later.
Although I am not a medical professional, I do urge you to follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations for specific safety precautions you should take. As to how to make it fun, here are a few suggestions to make your time together memorable.
Stick to an outdoor visit and meet in someoneās backyard. Before the visit, arrange chairs six feet apart and disinfect surfaces. Use sidewalk chalk or lawn paint to designate āsafe distanceā zones. This can be helpful if you have younger children who need visual reminders to keep a safe distance.
Ask each family unit to pack their own picnic. Use traditional picnic baskets and play music using an outdoor speaker. Reminisce with you parents about places they picnicked as a child, while dating, or when you were younger.
If youāre traveling to your parentsā home, bring your childrenās bikes or scooters. Let the kids show off their new skills. Your parents will enjoy seeing their grandkids in action.
Chalk the sidewalk or driveway together as a family. Section off areas that are six feet apart. Turn it into a contest and award prizes for most colorful or most creative.
Go for a social-distancing stroll around the block. Choose a family unit to walk on the sidewalk, while the other family unit walks safely in the street.
Adapt a game of cornhole so that your parents can play against your children. Give each family unit one cornhole board and a set of bean bags. Instruct one team to toss one bean bag, aiming for their board. Alternate between family units, ensuring that everyone touches their designated board and bean bags.
Enjoy an evening bonfire together. Reminisce about favorite family vacations or encourage your parents to share about their childhood.
With a little planning, a social distancing visit can be a breath of fresh air. I hope you enjoy your visit with your elderly parents and make the most of your moments together.
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