Invisible grownup NYC
[March 2020 - present]
During the COVID-19 pandemic, my main design research project is supporting my son’s learning, growth, and general happiness. Although it’s not “work work” because it’s not paid, I think it’s important to make this labor visible as so many parents have had to take on this new job. Once when my son was in his online reading class and got stuck on something, he said, “Let me order a package of invisible grownups to help me.” I think that perfectly describes parents at this moment of crisis: both critically needed and unseen.
Breaking character.
Just as my son makes up imaginary friends or personifies his favorite pair of socks, I’ve been doing the same for different parts of our day. There’s a perfectionist, eccentric robot, the “Clothes-On Machine,” who arrives in the morning to assist with getting ready for the day. She tells jokes, gets into arguments, and insists that she is an expert in everything she does. I invented her to break up the tension and tediousness of our morning routine. For learning times, Rui and I both created “Ravishing Rick Tricka” who teaches literacy by telling stories of her past life as a gangster.
Making inside outside.
It’s very clear these days that we have very little control over the world around us. During our home quarantine, we’ve realized that we can actually make an infinite array of things with cardboard, paint, tape, paper, glue, an X-Acto knife or a good pair of scissors, and some string. The other day, when Rui decided to draw all the knights from Bedknobs and Broomsticks, he leaned over and said, “I feel happy now. I feel happy doing this.” And that’s what we want for all our kids: to be able to find happiness, moment by moment, each day, even when the world is wobbly and hurting.
