When the world was ordered to work from home, many people were pleased about not having to drive to work. But reality dawned. Now, many parents wish that they could leave the house and go to work like the good old days. Remote working with kids around can be a major nightmare. As a work-from-home mom or dad, you take on multiple roles: your day job, parenting, teaching, and with restaurants closed, more cooking. Phew! That can be too much to handle. Here are a few ideas that might help.
Keep the children busy with lots of homework
Many children are still learning from home at this point during the pandemic. When it comes to home-schooling or remote schooling, you are either the teacher or the coordinator, so you must wear a different hat. Homework comes first before play. Set this boundary and help your child understand that you also need time to do your homework.
Don’t keep working after 5
When it’s time for family time, turn off your computer and give your kids and partner the attention they deserve. This is not just good for them; it will help you to unwind too. And given the infectious anxiety and worry that characterizes this period, talking to your family—venting—is critical for emotional wellbeing.
Designate a workplace and work time
When it’s time for work, get into the home office and lock the door behind you. Remove distractions so that you can work efficiently. Otherwise, failure to meet work deadlines and KPIs at this time can be a major contributor to stress and mental health problems.
Have time for yourself
Before the pandemic struck, you probably would pass by the gym or see a friend after work. You had an evening hobby and a favorite TV show. These things are important when it comes to mental health and overall wellbeing. Find ways to keep doing that by working out at home, going for a stroll, or talking to your friends online.
Get help with household chores
Encourage everyone to participate in household chores, including the children. Teach them to make their bed, pick up their dirty clothes, and straighten their room. Having one less thing on your to-do list can give you peace of mind.
Call for help when you need it
Sometimes we are strong enough, and we cope, but other times, we crash under it all. Such as when a child has ADHD or you are struggling with anxiety, bipolarity, or PTSD. We are here to help.
ACT Family Counseling provides counseling and psychotherapy services with six convenient locations. Connect with us and let us help you find the strength to live another day.
ACT Family Counseling
6 Locations to Serve You
Apple Valley | Chino | Rancho Cucamonga | Redlands | Ontario | Victorville
This article first appeared at ACT Teletherapy.com
CLICK HERE to learn more about Teletherapy and how you can connect via phone, text, or video.
Wearing face masks and observing social distancing is tough for adults, but it is even tougher for children. Getting a child to keep their face coverings on at the mall is difficult. What about at school where you are not always watching? And will they remember to maintain social distancing? Have the talk.
Tell them why
Talk to your child about returning to school during COVID 19. It will help them process their feelings and understand why all the safety precautions are necessary. Approach the discussion with empathy, and explain things in a straightforward manner:
- What COVID 19 is
- Why safety precautions are important
- How to stay safe at school
Acknowledge their feelings
Your child may have questions or even feel more anxious after this talk. Be ready to acknowledge their feelings. Reassure them that they are safe as long as they observe the safety guidelines. Remind them that millions of adults worldwide are working to find a solution to end the virus.
Anxiety
One thing that is heavy on your child’s mind is isolation. They will be anxious about not being able to socialize with friends. Help them to prepare for the social distancing mentally. Help them understand that they can talk to friends or even make more online.
Fear and frustration
Children might have fears of getting the virus when back in school. They may be reluctant to return to school. Emphasize the benefits of hand washing, social distancing, and face coverings. Remind the kids about the advantages of going back to school, learning new things, and seeing friends.
Personalize the talk
For your pre-school and school-age children, find exciting playful ways to drive the message home. Turn it into a song or dance, something memorable. On the other hand, teenagers can handle a lot more information and may ask many adult-level questions after the discussion.
We can help
Your child’s anxiety, fear, and frustration about returning to school during COVID should be addressed right away and provide an open line of communication throughout the entire school year. COVID 19 has increased the rate of mental illnesses, including anxiety disorder and depression. Take positive steps before serious issue develop.
At ACT Family Counseling, we can help. We offer teletherapy sessions via video, chat, and SMS. Let us help you and the child right where you are. Get started now.
ACT Family Counseling
6 Locations to Serve You
Apple Valley | Chino | Rancho Cucamonga | Redlands | Ontario | Victorville
800.801.8777
This article first appeared at ACT Teletherapy.com
CLICK HERE to learn more about Teletherapy and how you can connect via phone, text, or video.
