Why are we so stressed about Coronavirus? There’s the obvious reason, like the higher mortality rate, but I believe it’s also because we feel very unprepared.
From a young age we have fire drills and tornado drills. At work as adults, we practice presentations and our companies practice for audits. And in our personal lives, we plan and practice for childbirth and for our retirements.
The average adult has not practiced for a pandemic. We feel unprepared and therefore nervous and scared.
The recommendations for social distancing will be very helpful in avoiding outbreaks and flattening the curve, but social isolation can make even the most sane parent go a bit crazy if they don’t have a plan.
I’ve included some resources below that will hopefully help you and your kids feel less stressed and make your time at home with your kids fun and educational. (And to help you keep your sanity!)
Resources from Wausau Mama
Educational Resources
- A HUGE list of education companies offering free services due to school closings
- Amazing Educational Resources (Yoga, science, math, and more!)
- Astronauts reading books in outer space
- 12 museums that offer free virtual tours
- 10 great free websites for elementary school students
- Sign up for themed weekly outdoor play emails or browse DIY outdoor activities
- LUNCH DOODLES – Daily learn to draw videos with Mo Willems
- Daily zoo video and activity at 2pm
Local Activities
- Boys and Girls Club of Portage County is sharing daily activities on Facebook
- Clay Corner Studio offers kids clay painting packages to-go
- Marathon County Public Library offers audio-books and lots of online resources
- RaiseGreatKids.org & Marathon County Early Years Coalition share great resources
- Your student’s school library may have a list of recommended resources!
Local Food Options
- BiteSquad restaurant delivery (Referral: New users get a $10 credit)
- DoorDash restaurant delivery (Referral: New users get $5 off their first 3 orders)
- FREE grab-and-go bags of food for ANYONE in the Wausau area
- Trig’s offers free grocery delivery on your first 5 orders (Promo code: 5FREE)
- You can also call your favorite restaurant to inquire about delivery or take-out
Self-Care
- Soak your feet in a foot bath
- Try meditating
- Go for a bike ride
- Paint your finger or toenails
- Listen to a funny or calming podcast
- Watch a funny movie
- Go for a walk
- Apply a face mask
- Try forest bathing (link to article from The Guardian)
- Take a (real) bath
- Make something for fun (knitting, sewing, woodworking, etc.)
- Write a letter
- Print your favorite photos and display them
- Read a book for fun
- Color in a kid or adult coloring book
- Do yoga
- Call a friend or family member
- Drink some hot tea (or other hydrating drink)
Coming Soon
- An updated Events Calendar (most places are closing or at least cancelling events)
- A list of low-contact places to go for a hike or bike ride (not playgrounds)