One fall day three years ago, we met with Ukrainian national artists Kateryna Kykhar and Olexander Stoyanov, one of the most beautiful ballet couples in Europe. And with unlimited gratitude it can be said that it was thanks to them that Zhytomyr became much closer to the arts and fell in love with ballet. Quite annoyingly, quarantine has changed many plans, and the holiday gala, due in April, has been postponed to June. But there are objective reasons for that. Like all conscious parents, artists spend time at home with their children, and share their «quarantine» experiences with readers of Zhytomyr.Travel

Tip 1 Find a Common Thing to do
Sasha and I returned from Thailand a little over two weeks ago and, as responsible people, have been in isolation for 14 days. To our children we returned just three days ago. Prior to that, the eldest son was in the village with his grandmother Galyna and grandfather Jora in Boguslav, and the younger daughter – with her nanny Natalia and my mom and dad. My kids have fun, like everyone else: they draw, glue, read books, play board games. The youngest plays dolls, in «hide and seek», and while I was in isolation, I practiced with her on skype gymnastics. Now we are working together at home. Son is engaged in physical activity with Sasha. Now that they are home, there are more opportunities. We with Nastya look after the flowers, water them together, cut them. I tell my children about Sasha’s trips, show photos, share impressions, emotions, stories – it’s also important. Sasha teaches them how to cook, recently the kids under his guidance have fried pancakes.

Tip 2 No one has canceled teaching
When it comes to discipline and children’s health, I’m a tough mom. Now, during the quarantine period, they do not go outside. Tima is the oldest, so I’m more strict with it: quarantine is quarantine, but nobody canceled studying. We don’t have cases where I said, «Oh, dear, you’re tired today, let’s rest – you can not do your homework today.» No! I explain to my son why and what he should do, what it will give him in the future.

Tip 3 Don’t forget about self-discipline
When character is formed, it is based on our habits. Ability to overcome difficulties – a skill that is embedded in childhood. Those who cannot overcome the difficulties quickly go off the distance. For example, the morning of ballet dancers begins with the «classics» daily exercise, which lasts for an hour and a half, and only then the artists begin rehearsal. It is a breakfast for our body and at the same time it is self-discipline and the ability to overcome your laziness on a daily basis. And during the «forced weekends» we often give ourselves a break. Therefore, it is important to set a time for work and rest and to keep them clear. Which is exactly what we do to the whole family.

From the editorial Time, as well as health, is a huge treasure to be kept and used consciously. Agree, the parential tips from Kateryna Kykhar and Olexander Stoyanov are a good example to follow. And we can express our gratitude at the gala concert «Love and Passion» on June 1, 2020 at the Zhytomyr Regional Drama Theater named after Ivan Kocherha. Be healthy!