I want to talk about how parents and children can help one another during this stressful and confusing time of return to school. With all the decisions on what to do and how you are going to do it are real life stressors most of the country is facing right now. Uncertainty causes distress and there is a lot of uncertainty right now. The good new is most of us are resilient. Everyone is experiencing some level of stress. Experiencing a range of emotions is normal. Always remember you cannot control others you can only control how you react. No right decision only making best decision at the time.
Here are 13 ways to deal with stress and help yourself and your children (or anyone) during these confusing times:
- Maintain a daily routine for the kids even if they are not going to traditional school
- Stay in touch with the school and identify resources they provide
- Expect tough discussions, practice compassion and patience
- Explain that all families are different, each family is entitled to decide what is best for their situation
- Ask your kids what is on their minds rather than assume what and how they are feeling
- Try using empathy and relating, connecting, acknowledging feelings, a little validation goes a long way
- Convey a sense of confidence in front of your kids, but that does not mean you can discuss your frustrations behind closed doors
- Know your own boundaries and stress levels, know when to ask for help and when you need a break
- Practice self-care, you can’t take care of others if you’re not taking care of yourself
- TAKE A BREAK FROM ALL MEDIA
- Focus on the positive
- Start a new family tradition
- Finding your village-redefine and expand it
Resources: childmind.org/coronavirus, American Academy of Pediatrics, American Academy of Child, and Adolescent Psychiatry.