Entertainment in the time of Covid

If the title reminded you of Gabriel Garcia Marquez, there is a reason for that; I was an English major in college, (almost twenty years ago!) It was also a book that I remember being an incredibly poetic and moving read, so I don’t mind if there are echoes here.

Anyways, the actual point of this post is to share some thoughts about having middle & high school aged children during a pandemic. We are blessed to be living in the times we do, and born in the places, with the skin color and societies in which we landed. So none of this is meant to come across as privileged whining, although it probably will. But I also believe that everyone has their own story to live. While reminding ourselves that other people in the world are less fortunate can give us some perspective, it doesn’t necessarily do much to adjust our feelings about our own lots.

To that point, we are in the Caribbean on a week-long vacation which our family planned a year ago. The decision to travel was made in steps: firstly, would the passports arrive? Then, could we find a location to receive the required type of covid test. Then, would the tropical storm pass? All the steps added up, and here we are, in a beautiful place, with tons of sun, a beautiful breeze and gorgeous sea close by. We want for nothing, and yet multiple times today I had to tell my children to stop complaining. What did they complain about? Not getting to do the activity they wanted, when they wanted. About keeping their blisted skin out of the sun during its strongest hours, and taking turns doing what each other wanted.

Why are they so spoiled? We have chores in place for them to earn allowance, which we have withheld when they fell short of the mark. We keep them off of media with time limits and app restrictions; we tell them to read or draw when they are “bored.” So what is the issue? Where is their perspective, and thoughtfulness?

Out of necessity, when children are born they are completely needs-based: they need sustenance, loving human contact and shelter. Any communication they make is to state that one of those needs isn’t being met.