2020 Apr 14
‘What am I going to cook today?’ ‘How do I keep them entertained today?’ ‘How am I going to manage all my work and the kids today’. For parents, I’m sure these thoughts cross their minds on a daily basis. Whether it’s parents, children, youngsters or workaholics all of us have been dealing with a great deal during this ongoing pandemic. Some more than others, nevertheless it’s a lot to take in. Working parents or not, they’ve just been handed over a full-time job with no rest or foreseeable end whatsoever!
Yasodhara Pathanjali, a Life Coach and Nalika Unantenne, the Content Director of the AsianParent, have been immensely helpful to us by showing us their perspective on how to cope with the calamities of the pandemic as parents. They helped explore a few solutions for a handful of issues that were raised among several parents.
Creating a daily routine!
It makes it almost impossible to stick to a schedule during this point of time because it’s almost too easy to lose track of time. The lack of planned activities like school, practices, classes, can basically steer parents and kids off of their plans. However, discipline is something we need to cultivate in order to set things straight. Parents could start off with a mild routine that kids can follow, to introduce a sense of direction and purpose. Since there is no necessity for pressure, a simple push to study, a less strict bedtime, and appropriate meal-times where the entire family comes together should be good enough to keep it going. Right eating patterns and enough exercise should not be forgotten. This could be made fun even with a couple of games within the family. Keep it simple, to keep it interesting!
Open communication is vital!
It was also pointed out that parents need to be aware that their kids could be coping with our current reality with as much difficulty as they are. In order to get through this together, mutual understanding is a vital factor. Exchanging opinions, ideas, (even complaints!) helps with putting our minds at ease as it makes us feel like we are not alone. It is how the human mind works. Kids could bring up trivial issues in comparison but make sure they feel like it’s just as important. At this point in time, they only have their parents to turn to and it’s crucial that they know that.
Opportunity to get all hands on deck!
With some of us working from home, we are given ample time to get involved in things we never really had time for before. As much as we know, things like cooking, household chores, learning how to handle basic tools and other life skills, are an essential part of growing up; this gives all parents the opportunity to make that happen! Get the kids involved, include it as a part of their day and use it as family bonding time.
Time to use Tech to advantage!
As an adult, it’s important to realize that social distancing may take a toll on people’s mental health and stability. We may not see it coming, but the longer it takes, the bigger the impact. Simultaneously, as parents, it would be very helpful to understand that kids have their own anxieties too. As it was mentioned before, communication is key and sometimes, being confined to just within the family could affect them negatively. A little social life could be spiced up with technology. Kids can bring up petty matters and lash out only due to the lack of human interaction, which is a dilemma to all of us, and it shouldn’t be ignored. So, take some time to bond with them, respond and give them solutions. Try to ease up on them having a little social life just to keep their minds at ease as well.
Hit them with the facts (just the right amount)!
Kids are known to be curious and inquisitive by nature. In a situation like this, it’s only natural for them to want to know why they can’t see their friends anymore, why they can’t eat out or sometimes, why they are missing out on their birthdays. Although it’s the common practice to keep them in the dark, it could be unhealthy for the mindset of a child. The level of uncertainty of the current situation needs to be explained, at least mildly, as showering your kid with false hope isn’t the most appropriate approach. Also, make sure they’re only given the truth unlike myths such as ‘kottamalli cures the virus’, rather than ‘it’s given just for a healthier immune system’. Children also need to be given a sense of comfort that this won’t last forever; as the world has faced and overcome situations like before (polio, influenza, SARS) and that professionals around the world are working on it.
How do we get back to normal?
Returning to social exposure can be challenging. This could have a bigger impact on kids, therefore it is important to prepare them for it. Let them know that awkwardness and a little social anxiety is natural for human behaviour and that in case it happens, it’s going to be okay in the end.
The Silver Lining?
Finally, parents could take this opportunity to point out to their kids that sometimes life doesn’t always turn out as planned. And that adapting to certain situations is a part of life. They need to be reminded that life hasn’t stopped but it’s a temporary change in lifestyle.
Information derived from Life Coach Yasodhara Pathanjali and AsianParent Content Director Nalika Unantenne.
