This has been a very stressful and fast-paced few weeks. Things are changing daily, and we have to make drastic shifts to our routines, plans, and interactions with little notice. Change is hard for all of us. Especially when it is served up with a frightening situation with an ambiguous outcome. Anticipatory anxiety is exhausting.
None of this escapes our kids, even the littlest ones. Even if they do not understand, they pick up on our energy, our stress, and the differences to their daily routine.
We’ve been hearing kids and teens expressing fear of someone they love falling ill or dying. They discuss worry over what will happen next, or when their routine can return to normal.
So, we want to offer some thoughts and ideas to support you through this challenging time. Keep an eye on your inbox for more tips, activities, and support to come your way over the coming weeks.
Be mindful about how you present: Be aware of when and how you discuss the events in the world, and work to manage your anxiety. This includes your nonverbals like facial expression, tone of voice, and body language. Kids pick and emulate all of these things when we aren’t even aware of it. Limit conversations about the virus and turn off the news, especially in the presence of kids. They soak up more than we know.
Emphasize regular self-care: Now more than ever we need to tend to our emotional and mental well-being. Get outdoors for sunlight, create, cook, listen to music. Do what works for you and model self-care for your kids at the same time.
Let go of some things: Now is not the time for perfectionism or trying to do it all. Parenting, schooling, and working are different jobs, and not meant to be done all at the same time. We simply can not do it all. Cut yourself some slack and figure out what is really important. It will be alright if the house is a mess, you live out of the laundry basket, or the kids have more screen time. Do the best you can, and then let the rest go.
Get out in nature: With new stay home policies in place, it’s more important than ever to get out in nature if you can. Depression can creep up rapidly when isolated. Take walks, get your garden ready for spring, and get some Vitamin D via the sun when you have a chance.
Be forgiving of yourself and others: We’re all grieving lost routines, changed plans, and missed milestones. Our emotions and sensitivity are at an all-time high. Before reacting try pausing and taking a few breaths. Remind yourself that you are tapped out and play out different responses in your head before reacting. Consider how the receiver will feel by your response.
Spend a few moments embracing gratitude: Even in the midst of this, there are bright spots to be found. Take a few minutes each day and notice the positives. More time with family, a chance to clean out that closet, an opportunity to slow down, avoiding the brutal commute, lingering breakfasts with hot coffee.
Connect with loved ones regularly: Text, call, video chat, leave video messages, write letters. Just stay connected. Lean on each other during this tough time.
We hope these thoughts are helpful, and please feel free to share / forward to others who might need to hear this.
We’re here for you.
