Parents’ Top Tips For Those Struggling In The Pandemic and Lockdown
Extract of original article by Gemma Breen for the ABC News Website on 17th August 2021. See the full article here.
Parents’ top tips for those struggling in the pandemic and lockdown – ABC News
With an ongoing pandemic as our reality right now and lockdowns across various parts of the country, it’s no wonder that parents feel like they’re at the end of their rope.
Recently, we asked you to give us your top tips on parenting during coronavirus, and you delivered.
From to-do lists, the structure of your day, the effort you put in and even the outlook you decide to have first thing in the morning, here are just some of your responses.
Consider a routine
“My three-year-old doesn’t love change, so we had a bit of a difficult time with her adjusting to suddenly not having swimming and music and sport and all the other fun things we usually do. And she really misses her friends,” says Claire, a mum of two.
“What I find working well for us though is keeping a routine (as much as possible!) so we always go out for a walk or bike ride etc in the morning, and although she doesn’t really day-sleep anymore, she needs to go to her room for 30-60 minutes after lunch to rest.
“That time helps me prepare for the rest of the afternoon, otherwise it just feels like we’re on top of each other constantly and then it’s exhausting for us both.”
Parents’ top tips for those struggling in the pandemic and lockdown – ABC News
Rachel, a mum of three kids (ages 6, 4 and 2), is currently supervising home learning while her husband works away during the week.
She’s using her tips from last year’s lockdown again.
“I actually wrote them on my whiteboard to make sure I stick to them — they’ve helped me and my kids’ mental health a great deal,” she explains.
“1. Lower your expectations — this isn’t a permanent situation. You’re doing the best in an extraordinary set of circumstances.
“2. Get dressed, even if it’s into tights and a shirt.
“3. Go for a walk, every day.
“4. Dance party at least once a day.
“5. Teach life lessons — cooking, cleaning, gardening.
“6. Take each day as it comes.
“7. Enjoy the time with your kids that you wouldn’t have had the chance to have.
“8. Have YOU time.
“My kids are full of beans and trying to keep their little minds busy is often a challenge.
“There have definitely been some bad days but I’m grateful we have our health, and I’ll look back in 10 years and know I’ll be grateful for this time with them while they’re small.”
Parents’ top tips for those struggling in the pandemic and lockdown – ABC News
Take care of your mental health
Natalie from Kingsville, Melbourne, is a mum of two. She says her psychologist has helped her put in place some structure to get through the day.
Parents’ top tips for those struggling in the pandemic and lockdown – ABC News
She swears by “exercise in the home via an online platform (kids involved of course), and quiet time for half an hour each day where mum is not available.”
“I relinquish the never-ending tasks in the household and be still. I run after work whenever [I am] able for a change of scenery, walk on my own as much as allowed and demand a sleep-in when the boat is about to crash onto the land,” she says.
For more on this article, or to read the full article visit ABC News