Social Distancing is not Social Disconnecting
We are all dealing with challenging times in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. It is imperative that we distance ourselves physically from each other to stop this global crisis from escalating and to reduce the risk to each and every one of us. However, it is also important to remember that social distancing does not mean social disconnecting. As human beings we need contact with others to nurture our mental health and well-being. Recently the American Professional Society on Child Sexual Abuse posted and some ideas about how to create social connectedness while maintaining distancing. Applying these tools in today’s environment can be to parents, families, and individuals living alone right now:
It is essential we take time to connect with each other. Some ideas for accomplishing that goal are:
Call family members on Zoom or Skype of Facetime. Take time every day to be with others.
Meet your neighbors in the back yard or on your adjoining patios. Talk through the fence or from your own patio.
Write thank you notes (long over due) or letters to friends and family.
Host a virtual meal such as lunch for your child an their classmates on Zoom or Skype.
Share a meal - one person cook the meat, another the vegetables, and other dessert and share with each other (drop off your item on the other's porch and take their contribution to you. Then gather by zoom or Skype and either eat together or take time to appreciate the meal together.
Play an online game together.
As a family, look at photo albums and take time to learn about family history and family culture
Find out if you have neighbors who are particularly vulnerable to COVID-19 and reach out to help them with food, errands, chores, etc.
Cook a meal together that represents a particular culture and each person in the family share something they learned about the culture while preparing the meal
Attend a virtual concert together online
Attend church online together or join a group to pray together online
Send notes, cards, and other well wishes to people in your life.
Even though we have to keep physical distance between us, emotional and spiritual distance can be bridged by these activities. In addition, I am teaching classes on my zoom line and hosting meetings. People who never thought of using zoom are now finding it valuable and useful for staying connected.
Practicing social connecting in this way is also part of our commitment to prevent child sexual abuse. Stay connected to others and find ways to be involved that support healthy, safe environments. This too prevents child abuse and April is Child Abuse Prevention Month.