Spread Joy

4/10/2020

Blackford Inspiration

The children are finding ways to spread joy and create connections. Staying inside can make that challenging, but it is opportunity to get creative. Margaret’s Au pair, Hannah, took a trend from the internet and personalized it for the situation we have found ourselves in. This mission, to spread joy, gave the girls purpose in a time when it is easy to feel bored or aimless. They created a way to connect with their community, while we are set apart. They were able to feel pride in their accomplishment with a seemingly small act. Painting rocks is not a significant act, but the intention put behind painting these rocks makes all the difference. Margaret’s rocks are creating a ripple effect and impacting more people than we can know. And we are all invited to share in that.

"They were so proud today when people started to stop, take pictures and rocks."

Inviting other Tucker children to participate can strengthen bonds in the Tucker room. Children may not be able to have playdates with their friends, but holding a rock that your friend made, with love, can be both thrilling and comforting.

We have loved seeing so many siblings join us in our zoom calls and on seesaw and want to encourage continued participation and interaction, if the children are agreeable to sharing this time.We also were happy to see children modifying the experience to suit them. Lou Lou and her siser Elle used driftwood and shells instead of rocks. Elle and her brother Hugh used stickers and paint. Leigh and Prater used only sharpies, and Kian used glitter glue. Our suggestions are always jumping off points and we love seeing families blend and borrow ideas.

What time is it? It's ROCK TIME!-Kian

The children in the Tucker room are old enough to gather bits of information and have some understanding of things going on. They know that their home is a safe place and they are spending time with people they love. Things are very different, and while we are largely cut off from the world outside, this rock project empowers the children to take back control. They can do something that matters and helps others.