Whether your kids are still home with you, headed back-to-school or navigating a “hybrid” world this fall, the concept of “social distancing” is likely a hot topic of conversation with your little ones. Social isolation can be hard enough for little minds, let alone now having to understand the concept of social distancing. We’ve put together a few tips to ease the transition for those kids who are going back to socializing. 

1. The Super “Bubble”. Imagine if you lived inside a giant bubble with super powers to protect you from germs and icky things. Pretend that your bubble surrounds you at all times. Explain that other kids have their own bubble, too. Even grown ups have their own bubbles. Play a game where you make sure you don’t pop anyone else’s bubble. Don’t let them pop yours! Practice when walking outside and passing other people. Earn points for passing pop-free. Deduct points if you bubble gets popped.

2. Bird Wings. Imagine your arms are like giant bird wings that go all the way past the tips of your fingers and need lots of space to fly. Extend your arms and twirl around. Make sure your bird wings have plenty of extra room to soar. Practice at home or when out walking at the park. Don’t twirl too fast in case your fingers are too close to anything. If they bump into something, take a step back to make more room. 

3. Bat Wings. Did you know that bats sneeze? Bats also like to hide their little faces under their wings. So, if you're going to cough or sneeze, be like a little bat. Place your nose inside the crook of your elbow instead of your hand. Grown ups can practice the same technique when you sneeze. For added fun, sing or hum the Batman theme song, and called it a Bat-Sneeze. Lose points when you don’t use your Bat Wing.