What We Can Learn About Social Distancing From Three-Year-Olds

My daughter is happier than she’s ever been

Photo by Maria Chapman

I haven’t left my house in two weeks, save for trips to our nearby state park to walk with the kids. I have a suppressed immune system, so even the occasional grocery trips are delegated to my husband or teenage daughter.

I’m not the most gracious person during social isolation, which is funny to me because back when I had the choice, I chose to spend most days at home alone in my writing cave, then venturing out. Now that the option to go out doesn’t exist, however, and I’m spending every moment with at least one other human, this whole staying home business is getting to me.

I’m working on switching my perspective because otherwise, this will be a long six to eight weeks. I’ve been observing the behavior and attitude of my three-years-old. Perhaps if we all started viewing this isolation and caring for ourselves the way she does, we’d all find the positives in this situation, and get through it with a bit more grace.

Here’s how the wisdom of a three-year-old can guide you through social isolation.

Dress for yourself

Every day since our governor closed schools in Connecticut, my daughter has woken at 7:00 AM and asked to put on…