Parenting in a Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has created a “new norm” for everyone. From schools being closed or going completely virtual, to parents working from home, there’s been a great deal of stress trying to navigate this new life. Below are some suggestions to help make this new transition as smooth as possible:

1. Stick to a schedule: It’s important to add structure to your life, for both parents and children. Having an open-ended day creates room for anxiety and unwanted behavior. Setting a schedule helps reduce anxiety and decreases instances of unwanted behavior. This is because the scheduled tasks give both the parent and child something to focus on throughout the day.
2. Prioritize: Being with your children all day, homeschooling while you’re simultaneously trying to work, you’ll realize that you can’t win every battle. It’s important to prioritize when to give your child corrective feedback. As a parent, you’ll get very tired, very quickly if you try to correct every little thing, which will only cause more stress and anxiety.
3. Find some “me” time: It’s important to weigh the pros and cons of day to day choices when living through a pandemic. For example, some days it might be more important for you to take care of yourself than it is to make your family a gourmet dinner. Some common self-soothing practices include going for a walk, yoga, meditation, reading a good story, watching your favorite TV show, taking a bubble bath, and the list goes on and on.
4. Eat meals together as a family: Setting time aside each day for family time without distractions such as work, school or technology. This can be a positive experience that your family can look forward to each day.
5. Limit amount of technology: With school going virtual, it’s important to limit the amount of time your child spends on technology after the school day. Since kids are now spending more and more time on the computer, try to encourage them to do something fun after school that doesn’t require technology, like playing a board game, cooking, or reading.
6. Get out of the house: When possible, do what you can to get out of the house. This could mean grocery shopping or going for a hike. Being stuck inside the house with no other forms of interaction can put people in a very anxious and depressive mindset. It’s ideal for people to have a change of scenery throughout the day when possible.
7. Reward accomplishments and good behavior: When you or your child does something good, celebrate it! Find excuses to celebrate and reward yourselves during such a difficult time.

Remember, at the end of the day, parents need to realize that they’re doing the best they can. Find comfort in knowing that this is not only affecting you, but everyone around you. With these simple tips, your pandemic parenting can be a much more positive experience for everyone.

Colleen Mara, M.S., BCBA
ACD, Philadelphia
Tuesday, October 6, 2020