Pandemic Parenting Tips
Parenting can be challenging. Throw in a worldwide pandemic to the mix and many of us are left wondering how to get through it, and how to keep our families safe and happy.
You may be wondering how to make life a bit more “normal” for yourself and your children. You may feel stressed out from time to time over family logistics, wellbeing, or both. Finding steady childcare, figuring out activities that are safe and engaging for the whole family, tackling household duties, and/or finding time to do something for yourself might seem overwhelming. It’s normal to feel frustrated, anxious, or unsure about what to do next. Here are some helpful ways to help combat the challenges that come with parenting during the Pandemic:
Set a Routine
Think about your life pre-pandemic. You got up, cleaned up, got dressed, and had breakfast before going about your day. Your kids may have had similar morning habits. These routines may have shifted. You might be working remotely or have a child that has intermittent care or frequent school closings. Maybe you stopped doing one or more of these things since then. Maintaining that routine can help provide children a sense on normalcy, no matter what “going about your day” looks like now. It can also provide a small sense of purpose or accomplishment for all involved.
2. Decide What Your Family Boundaries Will Be
You are the guardian of your family’s best interests. It is helpful to discuss with your partner and, depending on their age, your children about what safety boundaries you will set. Balancing well-being and health safety might look different for each family. Talk about what you are and are not comfortable participating in. Will you attend large gatherings? Will you allow friends or extended family members to come over to your home? Will you request your children wear masks into stores and other public places? Involving everyone in the discussion can help alleviate any future disagreements you may have over unclear boundaries.
3. Communicate and Be Honest
There are so many extra things to communicate when you find yourself sharing more direct space with your family. Do you tend to get frustrated over shared family responsibilities? Try a weekly family meeting to clarify which chores go to which person or to talk to your partner about one another’s expectations.
There are many mixed emotions that come with activity cancellations, last-minute logistical challenges, and/or not being able to visit family. The outings that were simple before may be unavailable or non-existent now. You might feel angry, sad, or worried. Closer quarters mean it’s easier for your family to notice the way you are feeling. Try to be transparent about how you are feeling, and encourage each family member to do the same. Seek professional help for yourself or any family member who could benefit from expert-provided coping tools.
Children may have a lot of questions regarding the changes occurring in our world, which is normal. Sometimes having an explanation or even letting your children hear “I don’t know the answer” helps them feel validated. Ask open questions about how changes may be affecting each of them. For example, “how do you feel about this time away from school?”.
4. Channel Your Creativity
You don’t actually have to be all that creative. The internet makes our lives a lot easier in this department. Depending on the age of your children, there are ways to help keep them entertained even if they can’t travel to the places you used to go. Is there something you know how to do that you could teach your child (baking, painting, building, sewing, etc.)? Can you change something you do ordinarily to make it a bit more exciting (i.e. tea party instead of lunch, home “concession stand” for a movie night)? When the weather is right, getting outside for a short walk, finding a playground, taking turns spotting the red cars along the road, or finding colorful leaves together can give you some fun and meaningful outdoor time together. Below is a list of activity resources to help inspire you:
Virtual Field Trips – Let the marvels of the world captivate your students!
50 Fun art and craft ideas for kids to make at home - Gathered
10 Backyard Nature Activities for Kids – Appalachian Mountain Club (outdoors.org)
31 Fitness Activities for Kids That You Can Do as a Family - Waterford.org
5. Practice Self-Care
This may sound a bit unrealistic for parents. The first step here is to make time for yourself if time is what you need. Perhaps you and your partner could schedule some time where each of you gets to be alone to do whatever will help you decompress. Maybe you can hire a babysitter or ask a family member to watch your child/children. Self-care doesn’t need to be spontaneous and often works out better when it is planned. The next step is figuring out what self-care looks like for you. For some, it may be a night away solo at a hotel or a gym membership to attend classes every week. For others, it could be something as simple as an hour with a friend at the local coffee shop or taking a solo walk. Decide what helps you feel the most relaxed, then work on the logistics. Remember, your partner/kids might need some time to decompress too.
6. Solicit Help
There are plenty of different ways to outsource tasks. A simple way circles back to communication. Are there any ways to get the family working together to complete household tasks? Back-up plans can help put your mind at ease too. Do you have that family member or neighbor that can help pick the kids up in a pinch? Additionally, there are many services available that can alleviate some tasks. Grocery shoppers, house cleaners, errand runners, and dog walkers all fall into this “task alleviator” category. Take some time to figure out what is reasonable for you to do and what might be helpful for you to outsource.
Parenting, especially during the Pandemic can be tough. BenefitBump is here to help. If you would like additional information on resources or benefits that might help you, contact your Care Navigator.