Social distancing in the world right now

‘Social distancing...’ a phrase that is heard often these days... As the COVID-19 pandemic affects the entire world, everyone is experiencing anxiety.

Before this started, for years now, people of all ages have focused their attention on their cell phones. Looking around, anyone could see that most people were looking at a screen and not other people. Children were forced to entertain themselves as adults were otherwise occupied. The message received by the children: Phones are more important than I am.

Suddenly, most people are at home. If the adults don’t work in health care or essential services, whole families are at home. Schools are not in session. Outside activities have been cancelled. We are not to mix with people outside our home. This is definitely ‘social distancing.’

So what do we miss now? The face-to-face ‘social contact’ of seeing our coworkers, friends, neighbours and family members.

What can we do at home? We can count our blessings — if we are healthy and at home, we are more fortunate than many others.

We could spend time with the children, giving them undivided attention. We can read with them, teach them a skill: tying shoes, doing dishes, baking, cooking, cleaning, how to save money, how to care about others, how to write a story or add in their heads — the possibilities are endless! We could help them write a letter or call someone who may be lonely. We could pray with them, letting them lead. We could let the children talk to us and listen with no interruptions. They certainly have many questions and concerns with all of the changes our lives have undergone.

Our routine right now is radically changed so we must adapt to a new normal. We need to have a positive attitude, to laugh and maintain a good sense of humour. We need to care about others, not just ourselves. We must help when possible, and we should pray for the world during this unprecedented crisis.

Things will improve, but we will have to be patient and follow the advice of experts. We must stay calm, be positive and stay in touch with others.

Please stay home if possible, making the best of your situation for everyone’s sake. Now more than ever, the world has to come together to do what is best.

Kathleen Beierbach