Family helped to thrive, not just survive, during the pandemic

Like many other parents, Ryan and Stephanie Johnson have been concerned about the potential impact that social isolation due to Covid-19 restrictions would have on their two young girls. Stephanie states, “Wednesdays were our day where we would go to Coeur d’Alene and enjoy the carousel or water park.” As a family, they were extremely busy volunteering in the community and doing things socially. After the lock-down orders, the Johnsons had to find creative ways to fill that void and yet remain safe.

Stephanie explains this challenge: “Finnley is very social; she really misses seeing her friends and because our family lives out of state, it will be almost two years before they see grandmas and grandpas and aunts and uncles.”

What helped them find solutions? “I read an article [How to Deal with Isolation], where it highlighted the importance of maintaining existing friendships and build new ones with video conferencing. So, we have been taking advantage of that in several ways.”

Finnley is an expert now: “You can FaceTime, Zoom, or send them video messages. The best way is FaceTiming on my mom’s phone because I like to be able to hold it and walk around the house and even the backyard while I’m talking.” Noa agrees: “FaceTime is better than just talking on the phone because I like seeing people’s faces.”

Stephanie shares an example: “We moved from Priest River to Sandpoint during the pandemic so friends couldn’t come over and see her new room. We set up Zoom tours so she could take the phone around and show everyone the house. You could hear Finnley narrating, ‘This is my room. This is Noa’s room. This is the kitchen.’ It was so cute.”

When asked about other ways they have kept the girls busy, Stephanie says: “We have tried to accept invitations to do things virtually even if we're tired because we know the kids love it.”

Recently, they joined friends via Zoom for an annual barn dance and played music. Stephanie blushingly smiles and adds, “So, there we were, all in the living room dancing, with the camera on. It was a little embarrassing, but the kids loved it.” Noa (age four), tells why it was a highlight for her, “Because I got to dance with daddy!”

Ryan and Stephanie have also introduced new hobbies. Finnley, who will be turning seven next month, has a long list of her favorite new activities including learning to play the piano, story time with grandma, the talent show, building a playhouse with dad, learning to crochet, rock painting, experimenting with the microscope, baking, and Zoom parties. Over the past year, they celebrated kindergarten graduation and have attended a baby shower, a wedding, and an anniversary party—all via Zoom. Stephanie adds, “And lots of arts and crafts—lots and lots of craft projects!”

When asked what she learned from jw.org, Finnley referred to the three-minute whiteboard animation Virus Outbreaks—What You Can Do and adds, “I need to wash my hands ALOT! It’s a reminder to follow the directions about Coronavirus.” One of her favorite parts of the video is when the mother shuts the door on the germ and boards up the door to be safe. She likes to know there are things they can do to protect the family.

Since the pandemic began, jw.org, has featured information designed to assist people of all ages and backgrounds to remain calm, informed, and healthy. With content in an unprecedented 1,027 languages, the site also addresses often-asked questions and points to a bright future.

Links to 7 practical tools on jw.org:

Virus Outbreaks—What You Can Do

How to Beat Pandemic Fatigue

How to Deal With Isolation

Can the Bible Help Me if I’m Depressed?

Anxiety in Men—How the Bible Can Help

When Staying Home Isn’t Safe

What Does the Bible Say About Pandemics

Robert J. Hendriks III, U.S. Spokesman for Jehovah’s Witnesses, says: “Since the outbreak of the pandemic, many have felt that their life is slipping out of their control. The material on jw.org helps people of all ages and backgrounds to successfully govern their feelings by using the timeless wisdom found in the Bible.”

Those who do not have a Bible can download a copy or read it free of charge on jw.org—no sign-up or personal information is required.