Gearing Up for the New Normal

“If you are always trying to be Normal, you will never know how amazing you can be!” Mary Angelou

And that is the perspective all of us need to take amidst these unprecedented times!

Too much has already been said and written about the pandemic and that seems to be the only thing people around seem to have to discuss. Time now to move on.

The “New Normal” as it has now been popularly christened is just another phase in all our lives. History of humankind has shown us how we have come through adversities, evolving and developing into a stronger and more resilient species. 

And so shall we through this pandemic as well.

Parents are concerned, and rightfully so, about the health and safety of their children as talks of opening schools in a month’s time is hitting the headlines. School authorities are concerned and anxious as well. Where one set of adults are worried about how safe it will be, the other set are working hard detailing out every aspect of how to ensure this level of safety and hygiene.

It is a new way of life, and not fearsome danger, that awaits us outside the quarantined walls of our homes. How long are we going to keep our children within the confines of our homes? The longer we take to open our doors, the stronger the fear becomes. Rightfully said, the phrase “social distancing” meant just physical distancing, not a complete stop to social interactions. Humans are social animals and socialising is a very crucial and integral part of our growth and development.

It is time to sit down and have a matter-of-fact discussion at home, with adults and children alike, and prepare with courage and conviction that the time to fight this situation has finally arrived. There is no point in putting it off. Follow the rules and precautions and life can carry on with a certain amount of old normalcy. 

Encouraging news and statistics are being shared which augurs a light at the end of the tunnel. The vaccine will be here, how soon is not known, but that it will be here, is now no longer just speculation. 

For the last six months, everyone across the globe has been talking of the lockdown, COVID-19 rules and precautions and the statistics attached to the pandemic. It is now time to look at how each one of us can work towards “flattening the curve”. 

When schools open up, rest assured that all necessary precautions have been taken to ensure that the physical spaces have been sanitized as per the highest standards. Schedules created for the students who come to school have been carefully created and planned, so as to ensure that no risks are taken. Channels of communication are open and ready to address any and every concern parents may have regarding this.

The bottom line here…… Now is the time to display the strength of the three-way handshake that the SHRI Family has always been so vocal about. Let us all come together to enable the return of normalcy in the lives of our little ones and young children. When they look back 20 years from now, let them remember 2020 as the year they saw their families, friends, teachers and caregivers at school come together as a united force to help them sail through with courage, conviction, commitment and collaboration.

Shri Educare is one the premier Indian Organization for opening educational institutions. We provide customized turn-key solutions to help you start your own Educational Institute & run it successfully. If you’re looking for expert guidance regarding your own school, you’ve come to the right place. Being amongst the best preschool franchise we are backed by an experienced team who put together and can provide services (e.g., marketing, accounting, staffing, fundraising, project management, accreditation, training, programming, marketing, designing, architecture, planning, procuring, infrastructure). 

The 4 Magic A’s in your Pandemic Tool Kit

“History will judge us by the difference we make in the everyday lives of our children.” – Nelson Mandela

Enough has been said and discussed about the pandemic and how it has us all in grips of fear and anxiety. The precautions to be taken to keep oneself safe from the virus. New vocabulary has been introduced to our everyday conversation. Children as young as preschoolers are now talking about “Social Distancing” and the “New Normal”.

When they look back, twenty years from today, what is it that they will remember? Are they going to look back at the year that was 2020 and shudder in remembered fear, or will they have memories of how humanity came together to come through these trying times?

And that is the essence of this passage.

As parents, teachers and caregivers, it is time to reflect, not only about what is to be done right now, but also about the future our young children are heading towards.

While physical well-being is the focus right now, we must also look at how we can keep our children emotionally strong. And this can be done only if the adults around them work together.

Here are some suggestions to enable this. And we call it the 4 A’s that will see you through!

The first “A” is Awareness. It is important that we make ourselves Aware of the reality that is. Understanding the situation in totality will help us sift through the unending information that is bombarding all media handles. It will help us keep our balance and reduce our anxiety. Not everything that is published is authentic. Check for accuracy of information and validate it by checking authentic websites, such as the WHO, CDC and the IMA. Refrain form forwarding messages that trigger panic and anxiety. Stop the spread, not just of the virus, but also of these morbid messages.

The second “A” is Acceptance. The situation is what it is. Accept it. The sooner we move to accepting the situation, the sooner we will find ways to resolve the everyday issues we face. Look for the silver lining each day. This forced “Stay at Home” situation has opened up so many new avenues for us to grow and develop. The first and most significant advantage everyone is speaking about is the wonderful quality time that we are able to enjoy with our family. Family ties are getting stronger, lost friends are reconnecting, new skills are being learnt. Above all, many of us are rediscovering ourselves.

The third “A” is Adaptability. Evolution has proven that adaptation is the only way in which a species can survive. To mention an oft quoted cliché, it is the rule of the “Survival of the Fittest” that one needs to remember. Learn to adapt, to change with the situation. Once you have made yourself aware of the situation and accepted it for what it is, evaluate it and see what needs to be done to adapt to it. Learn new skills if you must, be it technology, communication, presentation, etc., equip yourself with the new skills required to function optimally. Build resilience and patience. Find new interests and hobbies. Increase, not just your physical immunity, but also your emotional resilience.

The final “A” in the tool kit is Appreciation. Appreciate what we have rather crib about than what we do not have. With so many people across the globe succumbing to the virus, we are indeed very fortunate that we are employed, safe, alive and healthy. Count your blessings, you’ll be surprised to know that your blessings outweigh and out number your woes. Think of all those who have lost their lives, or lost their loved ones; or lost their jobs; of those who are facing extreme financial difficulties; who are stranded so far from home; who do not even have a safe place to call “home”! We are fortunate and blessed. Therefore, let us appreciate this. Not just by sending up a prayer of thanks, but also by actioning that appreciation. Extend help and support wherever and whenever you can. Appreciate those who are working to sustain an element of normalcy, even during these bizarre times; those risking their lives to save that of others. Appreciate the educators who are burning the midnight oil to ensure that learning never stops. Appreciate the family that is providing you with a loving and safety net, so that your schedule for working from home or working for home is as seamless as possible.

There are so many educational franchises available but you need to find one that seems like the perfect fit for you. Shri Educare is the best preschool franchise, you can definitely get in touch with me if you need any advice related to it.