I know you’ve seen just enough about the current COVID-19 crisis, but I have some wisdom to share that I think you’re going to thank me for later. You see, I am a level 9 expert introvert that will happily sit in my room in silence all alone during this time. I am a plant mom so I guess my snake plant, Bruce, will keep me company, but I understand that most people are not like that. They feel cooped up and imprisoned. Well, I am here to set you free with some tips and tricks of the introvert trade to keep you and your girls sane and connected.
For Parents:
- I know that schools are attempting to get parents to “homeschool.” But take a deep breath, because you’re not teachers and no one would expect you to be perfect at teaching algebra to your antsy 13-year old. What you can and should teach them during this time are practical things. Think old school Home Ec, Adulting 101:
- How to Iron Pleated Pants
- How to Bake Bread
- How to Balance a Checkbook
- How to Do Your Taxes
- How to Change a Tire
I keep myself busy and enjoy the simple things of seeing my kitchen clean and my laundry done. While your teens may not say the same, there is satisfaction found through doing hard work and gleaning the rewards. Find something they enjoy working toward, then provide support and guidance along the way.
- GET YOUR GIRLS READING!!! I cannot emphasize this enough. Fiction and Non-fiction books can take you to other worlds entirely. Without ever leaving your room! There is a different experience that you have with a book than you can get with a movie or TV show. There is also an investment in seeing it to the end. Maybe there is a book you can read together? Or rent the movie version, so when they finish reading the book, you can watch the movie together to point out all the differences?
Also, what a great opportunity to encourage your daughters to spend time reading God’s Word! Help them find a reading plan or buy them a devotional! This is also the great opportunity for you to set the example. Let them know how much you treasure Scripture by modeling what time alone with God can look like and inviting them to join in.
For Leaders:
- If your students are anything like mine, they are either texting you every other minute or have fallen off the face of the earth. Whichever end of the spectrum they are on, keep them engaged—both spiritually and relationally. Find a Bible reading plan like ones on the YouVersion Bible app or like the one Lifeway Girls provides each week on their social media accounts. You could even start an online Bible study! The key is to keep them engaged with God’s Word as much as possible while they’re away from church.
Make sure you are also helping provide a place of community for your girls. Have a virtual slumber party over video chat. Bake, eat snacks, do TikToks. Whatever. Maybe try the new Netflix Party extension and find a movie to watch together. My friends and I have been living off of FaceTime and group chats. (yes this introvert does have friends) The point is to stay connected. - I love getting mail. It’s odd to admit, but it brings me so much joy. Sending little notes and cards by snail mail to your girls could totally change their mood. It’s a small way to make your girls feel special and noticed. It can make all the difference in a girl’s day.
For other ways to connect with your girls during this time, check out this fun list Lifeway Girls already created!
Here’s the deal: take the situation seriously, but please remember not to take yourself too seriously. Just be you, teach your girls the way they’ll learn best. Keep in contact with your students. Trust Jesus. “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful” (Heb. 10:23).
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com. The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™
Abby Underwood As a self-described introvert, Abby Underwood has struggled with social anxieties her whole life. Realizing her value in Christ, she overcame the challenges of loneliness, she is now fueled by her passion to help girls find their identity in Christ. Abby works as a member of the social media team and student ministry at Life.Church Hendersonville. Connect with Abby: Instagram // Website
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