Mothers, fathers, and grandparents have suddenly been pushed into new territory of full-time teaching since schools have been closed. While uploading homework and setting up zoom calls for children used to be rare at best, it has now become part of our collective normal. Additionally, the support that was once received from daycare, grandparents, churches, and even neighbors may no longer be options for now. To add to the stress, parents continue to work from home if they are lucky enough to still be working. So how are parents staying sane while being stuck at home with the kiddos? Parenting amidst the Coronavirus crisis is very challenging whether your children are infants, toddlers, school-aged, or teens. Being a parent of two school-aged children myself, I find myself in the same arena.
Do What Works for You
In these stressful times, there is no tried and true method to make a family thrive. Every family is unique and while it is easy to watch a day in the life of a perfect family unfold on Facebook, with sidewalk chalk pictures and planting a garden, resist the urge to compare. These comparisons tend to make most people more frustrated, anxious, and overall miserable. Allow yourself to create your own plan for your family to survive this crisis and try to give yourself a break. If your plan falls apart, try something new. If you’re out of ideas, go to Facebook. Just Kidding! Turn to a friend, another mom, or research new ideas with your kids.
Take Care of Yourself
You can’t be an effective parent if you are unable to take care of yourself. Parenting during the Coronavirus calls for patience with both yourself and your family. You are fighting an uphill battle if you have to deal with screaming kids, loads of homework, your own work, preparing meals on little sleep and drained emotions. Be sure to take care of your basic necessities. Drink plenty of water, eat well, get some sleep, exercise, and try to do something each day that allows you to check the “done” box.
Time for yourself does not necessarily mean going to the spa and getting a massage and pedicure (although that would be nice!), but find something you enjoy to help you re-charge in order to be that positive role-model for your children. Maybe you enjoy taking a walk, even if it is making laps around the house, or sitting on the front porch watching the sunrise or sunset with a cup of coffee or tea, listening to loud music in the car with the windows down, working a puzzle, dancing in the middle of the living room floor, chatting with a friend, or taking a nap. Whatever it may be, make time for it and ask for help if needed.
Focus on Solutions
When I face a parenting dilemma, I often think of the “why” to the issue. Why are my children acting this way. Once I determine the why, I can often find a reasonable solution. If I have difficulty, I may ask my children for help. They are often great problem solvers and if you invite them to join in the problem solving process, you are teaching them a critical skill they will be able to use the rest of their lives.
So for all you parents and caregivers out there, take a deep breath, maybe eat some chocolate, and know that you are not alone during this unusual time.
Begin Online Family Therapy
If you believe your family is struggling more than normal during these challenging times, consider online family therapy in Gulfport, Mississippi. Mind Works Psychologists can help you learn new parenting techniques and give you valuable tips to help you and your kids cope with Coronavirus changes. To schedule a free consultation with Mind Works Psychologists, give us a call today.
Other Services Offered at Mind Works Psychologists
Mind Works Psychologists are a group of clinicians in Gulfport MS who offers a variety of counseling and psychological services to help you or your loved ones find healing and growth. Their therapy services include play therapy, child counseling, individual counseling, social skills groups for kids, therapy for anxiety and depression, family therapy, and positive child interaction therapy. Right now, we are practicing social distancing and offering all our services online. Contact our therapy office today in Gulfport MS to learn how we can help your whole family through online therapy.
