It’s difficult enough to be stuck at home while self-isolating by yourself but when you have kids, it reaches a whole new level of difficulty. You might even find yourself screaming now that the federal government has extended social distancing guidelines through the end of April.
Watching the news has become somewhat of a sport, and most of us are anxiously waiting for the green light so we can go back out and resume our lives again. Cabin fever is likely set in and with kids, patients can be running quite thin.
If there is one thing that we recognize about parents, it’s the fact that they are a resourceful and creative bunch. Now that we are dealing with social distancing boredom, there is someone who came up with a brilliant idea and every parent in the world is tearing over it. It’s a “bear hunt” and it’s exactly what you need during the coronavirus crisis.
To the parent (it’s gotta be a parent) who came up w/ this idea, THANK YOU. Explaining to a 4yr-old why playdates aren’t allowed anymore is heartbreaking, so “Going on a Bear Hunt” during our walks is the distraction we needed. Our street right now:#COVID19 pic.twitter.com/aOhSlmJsVJ
— Daniele Hamamdjian (@DHamamdjian) March 22, 2020
The Hamptons/Old Woodlands neighborhood started a family bear hunt (social distancing-compliant). @DarePBailey is our enthusiastic lead bear hunter. Most people put teddy bears in their windows, but this one got free. pic.twitter.com/RCEiRYuTi6
— Rhodes Bailey (@RhodesBailey) March 21, 2020
More than 50 homes in our neighborhood have put bears in their window so parents can drive younger kids around to find them. The activity pairs with the Bear Hunt book. #NKlearnsathome #goingonabearhunt pic.twitter.com/G6HnyIjgPF
— Lauren (@LOpett_VA) March 24, 2020
Neighborhoods are coming together in the best way possible to help kids who need a little distraction during these difficult times. It doesn’t break any of the social guidelines, and it gives us a good reason to get out of the house and get some fresh air.
It seems as if the inspiration for this “bear hunt” comes from a 1989 children’s book, “We Are Going on a Bear Hunt.” That book, written by Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury, is absolutely adorable and somewhat ingenious.
There are pictures popping up on social media from around the world that the Bear Hunt is alive and well. One participant who shared a picture of the bear in her home said, “My neighborhood is asking families to put a teddy bear in the window so families can go on a walk for a ‘Bear Hunt.’ Such a great way to get people out of their homes at staggered times to get fresh air. Our little ones need this distraction and so do adults.”
Can you count the number? Thank you to the parent who came up w/ this idea, and communities who support it. Are you #goingonabearhunt today? #COVID19 #Inthistogether pic.twitter.com/RwJuxwlP39
— Jennifer R. Leggio (@Jenn_LeggioHMH) March 30, 2020
Ready! #goingonabearhunt pic.twitter.com/dvkZ5GETdI
— KatB (@KatBAlwaysLove) March 26, 2020
You have a few options open if you want to take your little ones out for a bear hunt. You can check out the “Going on a Bear Hunt” Website that shows where you can find some of their action in your area. If your neighborhood isn’t listed, you can get the ball rolling in your community. You can also try scrolling for hashtag #GoingOnABearHunt
Florida has even taken things to the next level with communities expanding to include many different types of creatures. These are known as “stuffed animals safaris” and it gives kids a chance to get out of the house. Let’s be real, it gives parents the chance to get out of the house!