The Perspective from Here
"I've forgotten how to people!"
It's a funny statement but holds a lot of weight at this time in the pandemic. As the doors to our social world begin to open, we are like toddlers learning to walk; a few good steps then a fall.
There is no doubt that humans are social beings and we are also creatures of habit. While staying home to be safe, our people skills have become a bit rusty: Now when we engage in person, we stumble - with our hugs with family members, whether we shake hands in meeting someone, and what to talk about other than COVID-19!
Last week EarlyON began to reconnect in-person with families through our Pop-up programs and it was here that Autumn stated, "I've forgotten how to people!". All the educators agreed, as we stumbled learning how to "walk" again. From the little things of ensuring we had everything we needed when we left the house, to remembering children's names because they have grown so much! But just like the little one excited in learning to walk, the reward of seeing families was so worth it!
There is no better feeling than connecting with friends and family. EarlyON is going to slowly begin in-person outdoor programs in August. We know you will be patient with us as we take our first steps learning how to 'people' again.
That's the perspective from here.
Stay well,
Pam Rennie, BA, BEd, RECE
