Anticipation is Half the Fun

July 18, 2020

A roundup of new guidance and stories from NYT Parenting.

Golden Cosmos

In normal times, I get rid of kid clutter before it can collect, otherwise we risk getting buried in Barbie shoes. But I have relaxed my stance — every time we leave the house, my husband and I can't help buying our kids something to dole out at a later date. These purchases have included: Tiny plastic horses we hide around the house for a treasure hunt; sparkly barrettes to adorn their dolls; and an inflatable unicorn the kids named “corny.” These things do not replace their missing friends, but they often give my children a morning of unexpected delight.

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Which is why I was thrilled to read Jancee Dunn’s piece for us this week, about how to make summer exciting in this unusual moment. Creating and planning activities for your kids, and even putting them on a calendar for them to look forward to, can help get them through. These activities don’t have to be fancy or elaborate. They could be setting up the Slip ‘N Slide in the backyard, or going to a kid’s favorite bakery. As a child psychologist told Jancee, “half the fun is in the anticipation.”

Also this week, Jenny Marder makes the case against tickling; Carrie Melago explains how “the sex talk” with your kids is actually a series of talks; Holly Rosenkranz helps us prepare kids for coronavirus tests (the nasal swab is no joke); Stephanie Hughes explores just how much employers are asking nannies to do during this pandemic, and how this moment leaves many of these caretakers quite vulnerable; and Cheryl Lock looks into how to prepare your child to move — around one in five American adults moved or know someone who did because of the pandemic, according to the Pew Research Center.

Finally, Gray Chapman profiles the furriest essential workers: therapy dogs at children’s hospitals. I dare you to read this piece about Izzy, a golden retriever, and the kids who love her, without tearing up.

Thanks for reading!

— Jessica Grose, lead editor, NYT Parenting

THIS WEEK IN NYT PARENTING

Melissa Golden for The New York Times

Meet This Popular Essential Worker. And Give Her a Scratch Behind the Ear.

Children in the hospital lost many of their activities during Covid-19. More than ever, they rely on the contact and comfort of therapy dogs.

By Gray Chapman

Nick Little

Making Summer Fun Out of Plastic Trinkets and Sugary Cereal

As myriad activities are restricted this summer, there’s no shame in the game when it comes to creatively keeping up morale.

By Jancee Dunn

The Case Against Tickling

Laughter doesn’t always signal enjoyment, and “stop” should mean “stop.”

By Jenny Marder

Robyn Beck/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images

Coronavirus Tests Can Be Scary for Kids. Here’s How to Make Them Easier.

A nasal swab is invasive and uncomfortable for anyone. For children, knowing what to expect can help ease the anxiety.

By Holly Rosenkrantz

Gavin McIntyre for The New York Times

Nannies Wanted: Covid-19 Antibodies Preferred

During the pandemic, caregivers are being asked to do more than ever, from cleaning and cooking to teaching algebra.

By Stephanie Hughes

Daniel Salmieri

How to Help Kids Cope With Moving

A move may mean a welcome change of scenery for you, but to young children it can present an insecure world.

By Cheryl Lock

Till Lauer

The ‘Sex Talk’ Is Actually a Series of Talks

Several psychologists and sexual health experts offer ways to make conversations about sex informative and comfortable for children and parents.

By Carrie Melago

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Tiny Victories

Parenting can be a grind. Let’s celebrate the tiny victories.

My 21-month-old currently enjoys two things: the crust part of his sandwich and putting the toilet seat down. Even though he tries to put the seat down when the toilet is, ahem, occupied, I’m still claiming the wins. — Sarah Katan, Claverack, N.Y.

If you want a chance to get your Tiny Victory published, find us on Instagram @NYTparenting and use the hashtag #tinyvictories; email us; or enter your Tiny Victory at the bottom of this page. Include your full name and location. Tiny Victories may be edited for clarity and style. Your name, location and comments may be published, but your contact information will not. By submitting to us, you agree that you have read, understand and accept the Reader Submission Terms in relation to all of the content and other information you send to us.

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