My Quarantine to-do list

Whoa, how life suddenly changed. For all of us. Funny how that happens, isn't it? Less than two weeks ago, we were all humming about our busy schedules, trying to figure out how would possibly accomplish everything on our “to-do” lists and (many of us) looking forward to a warm spring break somewhere sunny. Now, many of us are canceling those plans and working to figure out our new/temporary normal. As we do that, I wanted to pass along a few ideas of family bonding and other activities to do at home during the quarantine.

1. Clean our your medicine cabinet!
As you organize and clean out cabinets during all this time at home, make it a priority to clean out your medicine cabinets. Our Drop2Stop locations throughout Northern Indiana and Southwest Michigan offer safe and convenient (almost curbside!) drug disoposal.

2. Talk with your kids about an exit plan. 
If your kids are in school, they are old enough to have this conversation. Let’s fill this time with meaningful discussions… including the importance of making good choices, the importance of being a good friend and the importance of having an exit plan! This “plan” comes into play when they are in a situation that makes them feel uncomfortable or where bad choices are being made – the exit plan helps them get out of (or exit) it. Have them call you or text an ‘x’. Then you know to reach out to them and you come up with the excuse to pick them up. We, as parents, can help them navigate through tricky times.
 
​3. Take a Walk.
There has never been a better time or excuse to connect with your kid and find out what’s going on in their life. It sounds so simple but realistically, how many of us know the day-to-day of our kids’ lives from THEIR perspective? Their perspective on what’s going on in their life is probably a little different than yours! Relationship building is truly priceless.

Quarantine life... when grocery shopping with mom is a luxury. Ha!

4. Dine in… TOGETHER.
Right now, most restaurants are not allowed to be open for walk-in business, due to government mandates. But have you considered curbside take out or drive-thru? If you are like us, then you have a favorite place you may frequent at least once, twice (maaaaaybe even three times) a week. Why miss your favorite menu items when you can eat them in the comfort of your own home? What a great way to support our neighbors who own a small business! Of course, you can make all your meals too – thankfully there are plenty of grocery delivery services still up and running!
 
5. Practice Self-Care 
Slow down. Sit down. Enjoy a bubble bath. Read a book. Watch all the FREE live concerts. It seems like every day there is another concert streamed through Instagram or Facebook live and it is amazing how the arts are helping us through the insanity of being stuck in our own homes indefinitely. Oh, then there’s my all-time favorite – binge watching Hallmark (thank goodness Christmas marathon is back)! Take advantage of it and ENJOY!
 
6. Bake. I LOVE to bake! 
Involve the kids… even if they are only volunteering to sample what you bake! It’s a fantastic way to enjoy some of your favorite indulgences. 

Part of last week's batch of chocolate chip cookies... after my husband flipped over every single cookie to see which one had the most chocolate chips!

7. Get competitive!   
Break out a board game – our family favorite is Monopoly – or teach your kids a new card game. We pass the time with very competitive games of Euchre!   ​

As we continue to navigate this bizarre time in our lives, I’m trying to be more intentional about leaning in and making it count. When in our lives have we been told, “Cancel all your plans, stay home and be with your family?” Yes, so much about this COVID-19 is scary and unknown, but let’s focus on what we do know and the unconditional love we have in front of us every single day. Don’t waste it.