Six tips to reduce parental stress during this pandemic

Everybody is having a hard time right during this coronavirus pandemic season. The stress begins to settle in when all we can do is wait and hope for things to get better.

Schools are closed and children are home, which isn’t making things easier for parents. While all that is going on, there is also the fear of getting sick. That combination of emotions can lead to stress.

So, how can parents get by during these tough times?

i.Let go of the perfect expectations

Making a schedule and planning everything will always ensure everything goes as planned right?

Although you’re used to a certain routine at work and your kids operate on a school schedule to ensure everything runs smoothly, it might not be as easy as it sounds.

For that reason, it won’t be as realistic to be too focused on making sure everything goes right. Right now, nothing is operating as normal and anything can affect your plans.

You should have a schedule but allow yourself to make changes as you go by.

ii.Communicate with your kids

Help your children understand what coronavirus is all about.

They have to know why wearing a mask is important, what a curfew is and other important measures they need to take.

Children are more carefree and sometimes careless and they have to understand why they have to be extra careful for now.

Getting to their level and explaining to them will secure their health and it’ll also release some of the worry you’re feeling as a parent. 

iii.Keep in touch with friend and relatives

Observing self-quarantine doesn’t mean that you should shut yourself from the world completely.

This is the best time to communicate with others just to see how they’re fairing on.

Even though you can’t visit each other as often, you can still call them and enjoy their company though a video call.

Checking on other people is a good form of therapy for you.

iv.Find healthy ways to let out your frustrations

The worst thing you can do is let out your anger on your kids.

They’ll feel rejected and those memories will reside in their minds for a long time. During these challenging times, the main culprits are financial pressure and relationship stress.

When emotions are high, it’s better to separate yourself from that situation instead of yelling at your children.

Go sit in another room or take a walk then come back when you’re more relaxed. It’s your duty to handle things with wisdom.

v.Fix family time into your schedule

Being under one roof doesn’t always equate to spending time together. People can be in one house but they’re barely ever in one place at the same time.

Take advantage of the time you have together and use it to bond with each other.

This is when you’ll get to understand your kids on a more personal level without all the other daily distractions that are usually there.

Have a family game night, do Bible study occasionally or have your own family picnic in your backyard.

vi.Get enough sleep

Your stress levels will get worse if you’re not getting enough sleep.

Somehow it makes everything seem harder than it actually is because you’re tired. Rarely do adults get a full eight hours of sleep but you can do your best to get maximum rest at night or sneak in a nap during the day.

As you go to bed don’t scroll your phone or have the TV on in your room.

If you have a hard time falling asleep, listen to some relaxing mediations or music to help you relax and fall asleep faster.