Two months ago, the world changed. For some, it came to a complete halt; for others, it shifted in noticeable ways that required big changes. Whether you have been at home with your family, or adjusting to life working as an essential worker, we have all felt the impact of the Covid-19 virus.
Some families slid right into a structure that included online school and parents working from home, while others are still struggling to find routines that work. In this blog, we suggest five ideas to help have your family thrive while we wait out the pandemic and do our best to stay healthy.
Many Children are Frightened By the News and Conversations Around Them
It is important to be honest with our children that there is a health crisis so that they understand why people are wearing masks, why playgrounds are closed, etc. We need to do so in a way that gives them enough information to feel safe but doesn’t overwhelm them. Most important is that we continue to listen to their fears, reassure them, and let them know what we are doing to stay safe and healthy.
Create a Daily Routine
For most families, the first few weeks of quarantine were chaotic, and that’s ok! No one knew what was happening, or what to expect, and things changed daily in many parts of the country. By now, you’ve probably settled into a routine, but now is a good time to take a look at the routine and assess what’s working – and more importantly, what’s NOT working. Every family will have a different routine to follow based on your individual needs and circumstances, but knowing what to expect is important for children. Make sure your routine includes time outside, learning time, plenty of playtime, connection time, and downtime!
Make a Daily List of Tasks
Even very young children can thrive with this structure. In Dr. Jen’s house, the tasks for her 7-year-old include one learning activity such as a science experiment, one game they play together (usually chess or a board game), one thing they clean together, an outside activity, and computer learning time. Older children can make their own lists with help as needed. Accomplishing several small tasks each day leaves us all feeling as though our day has been productive, and with a sense of pride.
Leave Room for ‘Off Days.’
Even two months into this “new normal”, many people are still experiencing bouts of stress, anxiety, and depression. One day we might spring clean the whole garage, and the next we can barely get off the couch. Our children are dealing with big feelings, too. Some days, even a little bit of school feels like too much for them. If you spend a day doing nothing but watching tv, it’s not the end of the world. Let yourself grieve and feel your feelings, and let your children do so as well. If, however, you find that you are feeling this way for days or weeks at a time, please seek support from a professional. Situational depression is just as real as chronic depression, and counseling and medication can help!
Give Yourself Something to Look Forward to.
It’s hard to plan too far into the future right now, especially when we don’t know when things will return to normal. However, planning something that you and your children can look forward to can make a big difference in your mental state. Plan a camping trip for mid-summer, or start making arrangements to visit grandma in the fall. Even something small can be a big help – plan to go to the zoo in a month or take a hike in two weeks.
Every family needs to assess your own plans and routines based on your health, job status, comfort level, and more. By using these five ideas, we hope that you will be able to help your children feel strong and happy as we navigate what comes next. Please take all precautions when venturing out – wear masks, wash your hands, and stay away from large crowds.
If you are struggling to find ways for your family to find balance, we’re here to help! Give us a call or schedule a free consultation and we will help you create routines that work for you and your family.
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