But if there is anything this past year has taught us, it is that there are still plenty of other ways to have fun, to create happy memories and to celebrate the events in our lives while still practising social distancing. Embracing these ways has become our only hope for surviving the pandemic, even now as we usher in the New Year.
For young parents with toddlers, embracing these new ways is an even bigger task. Apart from protecting their children against the harsh Coronavirus pandemic, they also have to create a loving environment for them and strive to connect and celebrate with them all the important events of 2021.
Here are five practical ways in which parents can celebrate the landmark events of 2021 with their children and wider family /friends:
Virtual Birthday Parties
Just because we cannot physically get together for a party does not mean that you have to cancel the party. You can still organize an online birthday party for your big or little kids and let them enjoy their birthday the “new” way.
And, because technology is on our side, there are numerous apps that you can use to organize the party. From Zoom to Skype and even Google Meet, you can schedule the party with family and friends, put up decorations, buy presents and a cake and make the most out of the day. You can also include online games and birthday dances to the mix to add more fun!
Sending Online Gifts to Celebrate Milestones
There is nothing as thrilling as when your baby achieves a milestone. Whether it is saying those first precious words, taking those first steps, or learning the Alphabet, you should celebrate every milestone. If you are not physically present to celebrate it with them due to the pandemic, do not worry. You can always send gifts via online means and then schedule a Skype meeting to see their expressions as they unwrap the gifts.
If your baby is one year old and you do not know what to get them as either their first birthday gifts or a gift for achieving a milestone, we have a solution for you. Buying gifts for one year olds is easy. The only thing they know to do at that age is pulling, pushing, moving things around, putting things together and learning to speak.
Gift them books that can teach them words, toys that they can take apart and put together again like blocks and toys that they can push around or play with like trucks or cute stuffed animals.
Send Online Cards To Lift Their Spirits
Just like adults, children are experiencing a change with the Pandemic. As much as you try to hide it from them, they can sense that something is different. Either dad is not coming home as often, they are not getting as many toys as before, or their friends are not coming over to play.
It is important to talk to your kids about the Pandemic and explain to them how it is affecting your lives. Once you talk to them, assure them that all will be well, and occasionally send them a cute online card that will uplift their spirits. You can also send cards that remind them of how much you love them and how proud of them you are.
Try To Continue With The Holiday Traditions
Traditions are traditions for a reason. They give us a sense of belonging and assure us that even if all goes wrong, we still have one thing that will stay the same. During this time, it is vital to maintain the holiday traditions and any other traditions you have in the family. It will not only calm the kids, but it will also make them enjoy their holidays and important events as normally as possible.
Skype With Them Regularly
If your schedule means that you’re having to be more of a remote parent, then being away from the family during this time can be particularly hard for both you and the kids. To keep up with their growth and daily activities, skype or call your kids regularly. Do not wait until there is an important event or when they achieve something to call them.
Although, during landmark events, you can spice up the call by sending them gifts in advance or by reading them a bedtime story.
Skype With Them Regularly
If your schedule means that you’re having to be more of a remote parent, then being away from the family during this time can be particularly hard for both you and the kids. To keep up with their growth and daily activities, skype or call your kids regularly. Do not wait until there is an important event or when they achieve something to call them.
Although, during landmark events, you can spice up the call by sending them gifts in advance or by reading them a bedtime story.
So here are 5 ways to celebrate family landmark events in 2021. Do you have any ideas?
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I have literally just sent a 'cheering up' to someone card this morning! Being able to do things like that and send ickle gifts through the post to put a smile on someone's face is making all this a little more bearable! Sim x
ReplyDeleteThese are lovely ideas! Out of the 5 of us in our home, I am the only person who doesn't have my birthday in the next 6 weeks. So back to back lockdown birthdays. I really want to make it special for them all. My son turns 13 as well so a big birthday x
ReplyDeleteYou've made some great reminders about taking advantage of free services like skype and zoom. Our family is super tiny so our "events" haven't changed at all but will keep your tips in mind as I know many that are dealing with this.
ReplyDeleteSome great suggestions here and we have already started to follow some of it for our New Year celebrations this year via Skype Calling and sending gifts and cards online
ReplyDeleteFor friends birthdays over the past few months I have been sending little gifts and cards through the post to cheer them up about lockdown birthdays. But having virtual events and nice food to eat are good ideas x
ReplyDeleteThe majority of birthdays and big family milestones where celebrated virtually and though it was different its definitely the new norm for now.
ReplyDelete