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WITH C OLU MN IST C O LLE E N D ’ A N GE LO
Happy at Home for All Ages The pandemic has turned our lives upside down by shutting down schools, closing offices and limiting our human contact. Every age has been affected and every age struggles to find a new normal. Healthy routines can add structure to our long days and give us a sense of accomplishment during this unusual time. Here are some ideas for every age to make the most out of your summer. Elementary Children A quarantine time capsule is a fun project to document stories from this unique period. Parents and children can take the opportunity to work through their feelings of frustration or isolation and also preserve their memories. Check out www.whatmomslove.com for printable questions and prompts to answer so that your adventures are passed down to the next generation.
Ayon Nag with one of his baked specialties. Left: Greta and Gunnar Grass landscaping their home.
Dublin resident Heather Carlisle suggests a bookworm project. Her family keeps the head of a bookworm pinned up all year long and adds segments each time they complete a book. When they reach their goal, the family celebrates with rewards. “We do the same with summer workbooks,” Carlisle says. Meg Perez makes “COVID baskets” for her grandchildren each week, filling them up with workbooks, arts and crafts, flash cards, snacks, and baked goods. The young ones complete the activities during the 42 • August/September 2020
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