Keeping Busy During Coronavirus 2020

We took the kids for a bike ride today. It was nice to get out of the house and enjoy some fresh air. The kids and I have been home over three weeks now, and they are starting to show signs of boredom. It's hard to answer their questions about this virus outbreak. A five-year-old and a seven-year-old don't understand why they can't leave the house, go to school, or have playdates with friends. 

Ollie's behavior has been excellent up until recently. I can tell she's starting to become frustrated. Usually, the kids and I are very social and active. We visit with friends and have play dates all of the time. She's even admitted she misses school because she's so bored.  

I can't say this to them, but boy, do I wish I could experience their boredom. Keeping them occupied and from losing their cool is a full-time gig, on top of my full-time gig as a writer! We are just now finally getting some decent weather. Hopefully, the warmer weather can help cure some of our stress and loneliness. There is always more to do outside. 

Homeschooling During the Coronavirus Outbreak:

Homeschool life. 

I am becoming overwhelmed with homeschooling my two kids, and I have a teaching degree. I can only imagine how stressful this is for other families. Both of our kids now have online lessons that they must complete every day on a computer. Doing schoolwork at home is something they are not used to, so it's been a challenging routine to establish.  

Our superintendent indicated that he doesn't seem to think we will be returning to school this school year. As a kid, I would have loved an extra-long summer break. As a parent...not so much.

I think we are taking a few weeks off from writing for the blog for a few weeks while everyone gets their bearings and tries to stay healthy. I hope you all stay safe out there and stay home if you can! We will talk again soon. 

-Abby, guest blogger

Frustration

Weslee is getting antsy. 22 days in isolation with just me, and he made up an excuse to go next door to talk to the neighbor.

I had to give him a stern talking to: 

"Weslee, you not only have epilepsy, you nearly died last year, are susceptible to  illnesses, and still have the shunt (brain drain).  You canNOT take a chance, especially without gloves, mask and goggles or YOU WILL DIE."

He said he knows that but just wanted to talk about their cat.  

Sigh. I can't keep him locked up. After all, he IS an adult, although his mind is still a child.

Family Activity

Here is a suggestion for families practicing 'social distancing', as we all should. Keep a close eye on those in your family with seizures: drink lots of water, take frequent breaks, wear sun protection, and watch out for seizure triggers.

PLANT A VICTORY GARDEN!

During this global pandemic, food is still being farmed and manufactured, but while we sit, stuck in our homes, many people are eating junk to comfort themselves. After the expected months of this, our bodies will be in even worse shape...from battling the CV-19, other health concerns, too much TV watching or other sedentary activities, etc. 

We are going to need the activity of gardening, and the healthy food it will produce.

Figure out how much space you have (even a few pots on a windowsill can yield constant salad greens and some strawberries.)

So plan your garden, order seeds, potting soil and pots...whatever you need. Get started on those seeds now so you can benefit from the 'fruits of your labor'.

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I will soon be writing a book about this, and using methods like Square Foot Gardening.

Epilepsy and Activity Restrictions

After overcoming the initial shock of an epilepsy diagnosis, one of the next things to come to terms with is all of the physical activity restrictions you have to impose upon your child. Kids with epilepsy are subject to activity restrictions that can impact their childhood.

A seizure action plan (SAP) is a packet of papers you receive from your child's doctor. In the SAP, it details the type of epilepsy your child has, the medication(s) they are taking, common seizure triggers for your child, and other information about caring for your child with epilepsy. One of those pages on the SAP will have activity restrictions for your child. Your child's teachers and other caregivers need to be aware of these activity limitations.

The activity restrictions can be heartbreaking for a parent.

Absence seizures are brief, quiet, seemingly innocent periods of...well, absence. Many people call them staring spells. When my daughter has an absence seizure, she will stop talking mid-sentence and stare off for a few seconds. A staring spell doesn't seem so bad, but my daughter has no recollection of what happens during those brief moments.

An absence seizure on top of a 6-foot horse could be catastrophic if a child were to fall off or tangle their legs in the reins. An absence seizure while swimming could cause my child to inhale water and wake up in panic underwater, not knowing what is going on.

An absence seizure mid-air on a trampoline could cause my child to fall incorrectly and sprain an ankle, or worse. A staring spell while balancing on a tall balance beam or dangling from the monkey bars could cause my child to fall and hurt herself.

These are the types of activities you don't think of until your doctor starts spelling out all of the things your child CAN'T do.

As a parent, we want to make the world accessible to our children. We want to make every possibility a reality for our kids. Facing a long list of the things your child can't do makes that difficult for a parent. My job is to keep my child safe and teach her how to take care of herself.  I have to break her heart when she asks to play contact sports or requests a trampoline for Christmas. I have to explain to her why she has to sit out when her gym teacher decides to teach a gymnastic unit in school.

Last week I talked about teaching my child that her epilepsy makes her unique. Keeping her confident is not always easy in the face of all of the things her friends and peers can do, that she cannot.

My daughter can't climb mountains or skydive from planes, but she will find her place in this world, and she will be amazing. 

-Abby, Guest Blogger