Parenting in the Time of Corona
Parenting is one of the most challenging and yet one of the most rewarding jobs you will ever have. Recently, Coronavirus has changed much of how we experience parenting. The ability to go about your life, the way you knew it, just a few months ago is no longer an option. The same goes for your child. For many of us, we had a routine and we knew what to expect. We are now trying to navigate in uncharted waters. During this time, it is important to balance both what you need as well as what your child needs.
Here are a few strategies to help cope during this time:
Reset- Sometimes it is your anxiety, sometimes it may be your child’s or something else entirely that will set the day off. When you feel things starting to spiral for the worse, it is important for both you and your child to reset. Start by reconnecting with them. Share something positive you notice they are doing or reconnect with a hug. Then share that things don’t seem to be going well. Ask your child how they think things could go better or what you both could do differently. Work together to make a plan moving forward for your day.
Roll with it- Sometimes, even the best laid plans do not go as planned. For both you and your child’s sake try and use humor to defuse the situation and look for the positive. You both might get a laugh!
Plan something fun- Keep your days interesting by working toward something fun. Plan a camping trip in the yard. Spend time together planning the menu, making the food, and deciding on activities. The excitement of something new and different can help refresh everyone.
Give yourself credit- You have a lot on your plate and trying to balance many things. Give yourself a break, this is hard! Celebrate your small wins!
Take time for yourself- Give yourself a break and plan something fun for yourself. Plan a Zoom call with your friends, a socially distant walk or go for a run. Find a way to get the support and time off you need so you can be the parent you want to be.
Unfortunately, Coronavirus is not going away anytime soon so it is important to learn to be flexible, adapt and take things as they come. Look for light, humor, and positivity even on everyone’s most challenging day and things will improve.