Source: Chris Montgomery on Unsplash
Source: Chris Montgomery on Unsplash
For many, COVID-19 has meant that family get-togethers and gatherings have had to move into the virtual realm. Here at Memphis Parent, we came up with a short list of tips that can help make your next family get-together a little bit more special!
Plan ahead!
This one might seem obvious, but it can be easy to forget about the little things. Make sure phones, laptops, or tablets are charged. Also, spending time in advance helping non-tech-savvy members can make it so the entire process is fast and fun! It also doesn’t hurt to contact family members well ahead of time and find a window that works for all. It’s never fun when someone has to leave early or is unable to attend!
Start with a designated leader.
This might sound a bit odd, but having a single person leading the Zoom call can lead to more discussion! Help the leader come up with a list of questions that they can ask all members. Are there any upcoming or recently passed birthdays? Let the group leader know! Have your group leader come up with a bunch of random questions then pull them out of a hat as they go around the Zoom call. They can be funny or serious!
Recap!
Despite the crazy world that we live in, life goes on! Begin with a recap and share all of the successes and failures of the past few months. It can sometimes be hard for news to get past your immediate family, so it’s always good to catch family members up with what has been going on. Let your family know what’s been going on in your life and watch the conversation take off!
Use a theme!
If you’re looking for a way to bring some fun or something exciting into the Zoom get-together, pick a theme beforehand. Do a family-dinner-themed Zoom call where everyone starts out cooking and then finishes eating together. Family movie night can be fun as well. Have the entire call sync up a movie and then experience it together!
Be OK with some family members just being present.
Not everyone will be keen to talk, and that’s OK! Just like every family get-together, some people might not want to speak up, especially under the circumstances. The important thing to remember is that the time spent together is what matters most. While someone might not speak up — in my family, this is usually me — the time that they spend virtually surrounded by the family can be a difference-maker.