4. Make wellbeing of your children and yourself the top priority
Devi says it’s important to realise we can’t achieve everything and managing expectations can reduce our stress and tension.
“Don’t feel guilty if you can’t give your children enough of your time or activities,” she says.
“Rather, communicate with teachers and other parents to learn about alternative techniques and arrangements.
“This will assist with being flexible with children’s routines and thinking realistically of a way of managing workloads during this unexpected time.
“If both parents are working from home, then having a mutual understanding among all family members is vital.
“It is impossible to juggle everything; rather, we should think about cutting out some of the extra workload for the wellbeing of all family members.
5. Create a space for family time
Devi says creating a family space by sharing time, even just to enjoy a movie together, can boost our mood and give us the energy to finish work commitments.
“In our free time, we should enjoy moments with children without the pressure of achievement or learning goals,” she says.
But it’s also important for parents to talk to their children about the coronavirus, by creating a safe family space where concerns can be shared.
“Young children can experience anxiety and stress more than adults as they are seeing news on TV or hearing updates from other people but with perhaps less understanding about the practical situation,” Devi says.
“We need to allow them to express their feelings and welcome them to open up a discussion.
“Having a conversation and relating the current situation in a positive way to children could minimise their anxiety and stress, even ours as well.
“If we view the situation positively, plan accordingly, follow the routine, maintain a flexible attitude and focus on our wellbeing, we’ll be in a better mindset to enjoy this time spent with children at home during this pandemic and even once it’s over.”
Story: Aeden Ratcliffe
