With the novelty of homeschooling becoming thin and the reality of not seeing the schoolmates hitting home, children across the country must be feeling more unsettled than enthusiastic. Parents are also under pressure, as the work emails, household chores, children’s studies, and online lessons mount up taking the art of multitasking to the whole new level.
If you are feeling anxious or overwhelmed as a parent right now, rest assured you are not suffering alone. There are 90% of parents who are sailing in the same boat and many others like you wishing schools and classes to re-open.
This lockdown and self-isolation have put an extra strain on each and every household. Daily routines are rattled and all parents trying to retain their sanity and make things work.
Don’t let the current situation drive you crazy. Families are now spending every minute of the day together and the only social distancing you are not doing anytime soon is from your kids. Hence there is an urgent need to effect some rule changes around the house. After all, these extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures.
That is why it is essential to have some coping strategies.
Know your stress
It’s not just parents but also children who are likely to be feeling stressed during this time. Being able to spot the symptoms and signs is half the battle won.
Parents need to understand their own stress responses. They need to find ways to keep calm through music, meditation, breathing exercises, or other relaxation techniques. This will put you in a stronger place to recognize stress in children and find ways to support them. Help them to understand their level of emotions. Exercise, art, drama, music, dance, craft, etc are good options to be as creative and engaged as possible.
Communicate
Children expect information and reassurance from their parents when facing such uncertainty. Therefore it becomes mandatory for parents to have regular communication with their children.
Be truthful but also mindful of their age. You can share important information with your child but keep in mind to adjust the amount of details which should suit their age and it will also help to strike the right balance. As parents welcome the questions of their children as an opportunity to have an open discussion and a chance to remove their fear. Help their motivation keep going by communicating with them.
Have Fun Together if You Plan Together
Have a plan and set a routine. Encourage children to develop independence by referring to their own plans themselves. Help them to maintain a boundary between schoolwork and home. Guide them to be more organized and self-disciplined. The plan should be free-flowing and flexible. The plan and routine should be enjoyable and sustainable.
Reduce the exposure of your child to TV programs or stories featuring destruction or death.
Last but not the least staying in touch with other parents through emails, social media, and other platforms is another way to stay well informed and stay calm.
Have a happy and safe life !!!
