Safely letting my kids socialize
I’ve noticed my kids becomming more reserved this last year and I don’t know if they’re just growing up, or if lockdown is doing permanent damage to their mental health. How can I safely let them socialize with friends, especially with cases surging all over the country?
Answers ( 1 )
I don't know how old your kids are so maybe this won't apply, but my 8 year old has actually made more friends since the lockdown thanks to Minecraft. An old acquaintance of mine had a kid around the same age, asked around for playmates, and now they play Minecraft together almost every day. They use Kids Facebook Messenger to videochat and play games at the same time. It reminds me of how kids used to hang out and play videogames at each others' houses in the 90s and aughts. There are 4 or 5 kids in this group all living in different parts of the country and they have a great time! My kid considers his Minecraft pal to be his best friend, and based on the way they talk (of course I listen in - safety first!) it's probably true.
He also uses Kids Messenger to play Legos with his cousins and old friends from school. They set up their cameras, show off their toys, and make builds together. It's really not very different than playdates before quarantine except that the kids don't actually go to each other's homes. We love virtual playdates!
My 3 year old, on the other hand, has almost no socialization and it shows. I hope his 4K teachers are ready....