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Don't Forget To Take Care of Yourself

Dealing with the Corona Virus turns parenting up a notch, or for some, too many notches. This is a difficult time. The New York Times recently had an article, Parents Need Stress Relief, Too.  These are the coping methods they suggested:
1) Give yourself grace.
2) Don't judge coping styles.
3) Remember sleep hygiene.
4) Timebox your worries.
5) Social distancing doesn't mean you should stop being social.
6) Help others as much as you can.

I'd like to add a couple more things to this list:
7) Stop reading about parenting.  Enough already. Follow your gut. Since you're reading this, you've read plenty.  Now just do what you feel works for you and your family. Too much information about parenting is anxiety inducing.  I know this from personal experience.  Yes, there is always more, or something better you can do, but go back to the first suggestion on this list: Give yourself grace. Just give lots of love and affection, don't worry what others might think, enjoy your family, embrace the tough parts of it-- don't let anyone's, online or IRL, judgement, cloud yours.  Give up your parenting resources, books, blogs, including this one if you must, and relax. You got this.

8) Give thanks.  Think about, and write down what your are grateful for. Continue the gratitude practice we began at the beginning of this semester. Consider the big and small things. Next, show gratitude.  Tell others, whether IRL or virtually what exactly you're thankful for. Share with the people you love, and like, why you appreciate them. Send a random thank you card-- personal snail mail always makes people smile.  Of course you can do this electronically as well.  Send your partner or your family members appreciation texts.  This will lift your spirits, and theirs.

9) Do something for yourself, especially if you're stuck at home.  Learn something new (think of all these online possibilities): dancing, playing the ukulele, a new language, knitting, cooking... Or work on the hobby you never have time for. Meditate, pray, daydream. Read a book, write, give yourself a facial. Try to find something to do besides binge watching tv shows, you'll be happier you are doing some self-care and better-ing yourself.  (Don't get me wrong, I certainly think binge watching has its place, but one must diversify.) You can even do this with your child/ren around. They might learn some new skills too.

Please share in the comments something that you're doing that's helping you cope.

That's it from me this week. These are tough times. Please take care of your family, and yourself.  I'm hoping and praying you and yours are well, and that we come out the other end of this Covid-era as better people and community.

** If you're currently registered, and would like to join our virtual class, please email me.
** If you're an alum, and would like to join a virtual small group, please email me.

Comments

Nancy said…
I would love to hear what you are practicing to help you cope!
Geetha said…
I agree with your point about reading articles on parenting. I sometimes find it stressful reading about tips and advises because as a parent and a caretaker of my family, I firmly believe every parent is naturally toned with the behavior of their kids and they are the right people to guide young people to spend time effectively. Amidst the loads of studying online and my routine work at the hospital, I take out time some quality time with my kids to catch on with few old movies at our free times.

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