Adjusting to Life in LockdownManaging a range of emotions is going to be a large part of life for many of us who will be spending an undetermined amount of time at home with our children in the coming months. For some, homeschooling may have been a huge success during the honeymoon stage, but what happens after the novelty wears off? Conflicts were unavoidable for others, as everyone tries to acclimate to life in lockdown. As parents, we have a lot of responsibilities.
1. Give them space to talkIf a youngster expresses concern about the coronavirus, our first impulse may be to dismiss their concerns, assuring them that there is nothing to be concerned about before moving on to another topic. However, this does not provide our children with the opportunity to talk about their fears. This goes a long way towards lowering them. We can assist our children in processing their concerns by enabling them to speak freely. As much as possible, just listen.When we do speak, we should refrain from asking questions that reinforce our own beliefs. So, rather than asking, "Are you concerned about the coronavirus?" 'How do you feel about the coronavirus?' is a good question to ask. or 'Is there anything that makes you nervous?' I also think that ‘normalising' my counselling clients' fears is quite beneficial. Assuring young people that their concerns are normal and understandable. 2. Honesty is the best policyChildren have an incredible ability to discover what we don't want them to know. Withholding the facts, even in isolation, is unlikely to keep children safe from the news, and we risk them questioning if they can turn to us for the truth. We will have more influence over how they find answers to their inquiries if we share what's going on in an age-appropriate manner. While it is vital to share the news with youngsters, too much exposure might cause anxiety. Limiting how often we check the news or social media will safeguard our children's mental health while also protecting our own. 3. Take care of yourself.The oxygen mask on a plane analogy is frequently used in mental health training. In the event of an emergency, we must first ensure our own safety before assisting others. We can better support our children by recognising and addressing our own fears about the pandemic. Talking openly and honestly with our loved ones is really beneficial, and if that isn't possible, teleconferencing is an excellent alternative. Preserve your Emotional Balance.Our physical well-being is equally crucial. Like my eldest, I've discovered that the world's uncertainty has put me in a Christmas mood, when the usual rules don't apply and healthy food and exercise are put on hold until normal life resumes. Healthy eating and exercise, on the other hand, produce natural chemicals that help us maintain our emotional balance, so I'm making an effort to live a healthy lifestyle and encourage my children to do the same. 4. Create a routineI'm also fighting the urge to stay in my pyjamas all day and watch my favourite movies. Young people require more boundaries and structure than ever before to feel safe in the face of uncertainty. Creating a regular schedule in which they wake up, dress, and eat at the same times each day will assist to provide a sense of continuity and lessen worry. Be Kind to Yourself.I should feel well-equipped to home-school my children as a former teacher, but even for a professional, it feels overwhelming. For younger children, simply doing a little reading, writing, and math every day is enough to keep them from falling behind, while self-directed learning will be nothing new for older children. They wouldn't mind filling the rest of the day with more thrilling activities.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. Archives
September 2021
Categories |