In light of the COVID-19 crisis, we find ourselves, as parents, thrown into a situation which we were not prepared to face. As Peck families, we were drawn to the Peck community for many reasons, but especially due to our shared values. As we tackle this pandemic situation, Peck’s new InDeCoRe values—Care, Courage, Gratitude, Respect, and Resilience—can resonate with us and help keep us grounded when we are, understandably, feeling shaky.
From the depths of the ocean to the farthest reaches of the universe to the most memorable moments in human history, Peck students are devouring non-fiction TV and movie content, and learning about everything under (and beyond!) the sun while they watch.
“We believe that, in life, that knowledge must be guided by values.” The timeless opening to Peck’s mission statement anchors our community and our pursuit of developing students of character. For years, our InDeCoRe (Individual Development, Community Responsibility) program has been the vehicle for us to talk about character, to understand the importance of consideration of others, and to unite our community with a common language and a common set of values.
At certain points in our lives, we are acutely aware of the fact that we are living through history. The COVID-19 global pandemic is one of those times.
Stay-at-home orders around the world have positively impacted the Earth by lowering pollution levels and allowing wildlife to return to their natural habitats. Although this is extremely beneficial to our environment now, many countries are already starting to return to the status quo, reopening factories and driving wildlife back out. The quarantine has provided us with an opportunity to fix our mistakes, and if we do not take advantage of it, we may never get it again.
We’re all tempted to take a “mental health day” now and again. However, knowing when it is truly necessary for you and your children to take a day to relax and reset is imperative to get the most out of the experience. As parents, you know your children best, and if you see that their behavior, mood, and/or motivation are consistently and significantly different from what you typically see, it may be time to take a break. Once you realize the time has come to reset as a family, here are a few things you can do to make the experience as beneficial as possible:
I was tucking in my daughter before bed and, just before turning out the lights, she uttered four of my favorite words: “Do you remember when?” Like a magic portal, they transport you through time and polish the cloudy mirrors of distant memories. Suddenly small moments, chance happenings, long forgotten silly jokes, and unexpected events solidify into shared experiences that become monumental. They strengthen our connections as a family, as a community, and as humans.
