3. Order Takeout
If you frequent small businesses for breakfast or lunch, and they are staying open for takeout, order to go. Small businesses are sure to take a big hit from less traffic.
4. Offer to Watch Someone’s Child
If schools close and you know a family who can’t find childcare but must go to work, offer to watch their kids.
5. Fly and Maybe Even Buy
Check on your elderly and immunocompromised neighbors to see if you can pick up prescriptions, grab some groceries, or run an errand so they don’t have to brave public spaces.
6. Take Advantage of the Teaching Moment
When explaining to your kids why things are cancelled, express your disappointment, but also talk about the reasons why: so that we can make sure Grandma and Grandpa stay healthy, and make sure our sick neighbors don’t get sicker. Kids are born more compassionate than fearful. It’s up to us as parents to cultivate the sense of community that we hope will surround them if they were ever in need.
We are a country that celebrates free will. But if our own free will prevents others from living their pursuit of happiness, we are doing nothing to live up to the promises our forefathers made. The coronavirus pandemic gives us an opportunity to respond with compassion instead of fear, and walk the walk of community. I know we can do it … right after we all wash our hands.
