Is there a difference between the terms social distancing verses physical distancing?

Should we be more careful which term we use during COVID and ensure that we are not interchanging the use?

Today I was inspired by a dear friend, who is a young mom, businesswoman and community leader, Sheila. Sheila is a force to be reckoned with, full to the brim of positive energy and she is a compassionate connector. Beyond the smiling, giggles and playfulness she is grounded in deep philosophical contemplation, questioning the reason or purpose of actions and events. Today she tabled the topic of language and our misuse of the term social distancing. She continued to emphasize the importance of appropriate accurate language consequently we should be using the term physical distancing, as we want people connecting more than ever socially just not physically. Take a look at the number of articles listed below outlining the argument for increased socializing and connecting BUT at a physical distance.

I have to say over six weeks, in this semi-cloudy haze, I haven’t been attentive in my use of the term social distancing. Funny, given I believe in the weight and influence of language. I have felt rather uncomfortable intuitively that this phrase, social distancing, is an oxymoron, however, I’ve used it and interchangeably with social isolation and physical distancing. I agree with her that now more than ever we need to connect with our friends, family and neighbours. I also acknowledge how important social connection is for our children. As a teacher, when I think of the school day, much of the day is spent socializing and learning to live cooperatively in community verses intensely ‘learning a lesson or practicing a skill’. Hence, right now parents and grandparents, it is very important that we think of ways that our kids can connect with other children at a healthy distance. Thank you Sheila for inspiring me to be more attentive in my language use.

Dazzle’s Challenge:

  • Try playing some of the games listed on this site with the children in your neighbourhood adhering to social distancing
  • How about a chalk art competition on your driveways?
  • Kids write and send letters to each other. First they can make their own special mailboxes that they leave out front or in the backyards then the friends in the neighbourhood are encouraged to send each other mail, delivering it when no one is around. They then can respond and keep the cycle going.

Quick Take Away Links

Is there a difference between the terms social distancing verses physical distancing?

Should we be more careful which term we use during COVID and ensure that we are not interchanging the use?

Today I was inspired by a dear friend, who is a young mom, businesswoman and community leader, Sheila. Sheila is a force to be reckoned with, full to the brim of positive energy and she is a compassionate connector. Beyond the smiling, giggles and playfulness she is grounded in deep philosophical contemplation, questioning the reason or purpose of actions and events. Today she tabled the topic of language and our misuse of the term social distancing. She continued to emphasize the importance of appropriate accurate language consequently we should be using the term physical distancing, as we want people connecting more than ever socially just not physically. Take a look at the number of articles listed below outlining the argument for increased socializing and connecting BUT at a physical distance.

I have to say over six weeks, in this semi-cloudy haze, I haven’t been attentive in my use of the term social distancing. Funny, given I believe in the weight and influence of language. I have felt rather uncomfortable intuitively that this phrase, social distancing, is an oxymoron, however, I’ve used it and interchangeably with social isolation and physical distancing. I agree with her that now more than ever we need to connect with our friends, family and neighbours. I also acknowledge how important social connection is for our children. As a teacher, when I think of the school day, much of the day is spent socializing and learning to live cooperatively in community verses intensely ‘learning a lesson or practicing a skill’. Hence, right now parents and grandparents, it is very important that we think of ways that our kids can connect with other children at a healthy distance. Thank you Sheila for inspiring me to be more attentive in my language use.

Dazzle’s Challenge:

  • Try playing some of the games listed on this site with the children in your neighbourhood adhering to social distancing
  • How about a chalk art competition on your driveways?
  • Kids write and send letters to each other. First they can make their own special mailboxes that they leave out front or in the backyards then the friends in the neighbourhood are encouraged to send each other mail, delivering it when no one is around. They then can respond and keep the cycle going.

Quick Take Away Links