Parenting in a Pandemic

Parenting in a pandemic can be overwhelming, even for the most level headed parents. We are called upon to dig down deep into our hearts and souls and find all the good we can to transfer onto the worried children we are trying to protect- much easier said than done!

The majority of the universe has never lived through a pandemic such as this. It’s not to say that we haven’t had horrible things happen in our lifetime- including other pandemics- but the worst-before now-was in 1918 and most of that generation has left this earth. Not to minimize some of these runner ups:

• Spanish Flu
• Tuberculosis
• Small Pox
• Plague
• Cholera outbreak
• Swine Flu
• SARS coronavirus
• Russian Flu
• Hong Kong flu
• Serum run to Nome (diphtheria)
• Malaria
• West Bank fainting epidemic
• HIV/AIDS

I imagine you may have never heard of some of these (West Bank Fainting???), like myself. Still, some health problems do occasionally get out of control. Since we only get what the government and media want us to understand many of the scarier things happening around the planet are left out. Or we get fed dreadful news with no validity. Either way, despite free speech, we can’t honestly know the facts unless we are in the frontlines. Leaving us to do the best we can with the knowledge and resources we’ve managed to muster up.

Parenting Priorities in a Pandemic

Parenting during any catastrophe can bring us to our knees. Even smaller things like moving, divorce, illness, and mental health issues can create bewilderment. As if we didn’t already question what morals, ethics, and values to put upon our children. Today we need to reteach what we thought was once critical to their well-being. In the face of obscurity, parents need to put their game-face on and show solidarity, tenacity, and intelligence, all while charming the children.

Our predecessors, and many parents around the world-even before today, live a horrifying daily regimen of safety, nourishment, and health. There isn’t time to entertain their offspring or worry whether they have instilled the right values, etc. every day is about survival. A life of “putting out fires”; each day is based upon those three essential needs.

If you are lucky enough to have a screen to read-this-on as well as access to the internet, then I’d say you’re doing well! We contemporary parents may be in uncharted territory, but primarily those of you scrutinizing this blog is safe, fed, and healthy. While it doesn’t take away the concerns you live with day-in and day-out, you should find solace in knowing our species are strong and can pull through this. You and your family will find a new norm and master creativity.

Reality

Parenting in a pandemic can be just what the children and earth ordered. Possibly we didn’t notice the messages they were sending subliminal or overt. Perhaps we weren’t listening to our own inner-voice begging for a break from the “rat-race.” Look for the silver lining that can bring a new peace to you and your family. Embrace this!

Take the time to observe your children, each individually. Find what makes each person tick in your family. Spend time listening to what their heart is saying. Not what you think you know. Be supportive of how their own pandemic anxieties can alter who they potentially evolve into. Accept their differences and don’t try to box them together. You may be surprised at the parts of them you missed.

Most of us have all the time to invest in this endeavor now, but we are too caught up in the crisis to take a step back and absorb the positive pieces of our new world. Children will react based on our words and body language. If we make good of the situation, so too will they. Smile, interact, and be present with your family to gain the most from this vexing situation. Before you know it, school and work will resume at maximum capacity, and we will wish for the lazy days from the past.

Prologue

I wouldn’t want you to leave this blog feeling that the author had no sense of empathy for all of those affected by the COVID19 pandemic. Or that “being present” with your family is simple. Indeed, we all have our mountains to climb when it comes to the acceptance of the current situation. Some of us are “essential” and not able to spend time with our kids the way we once knew-for their safety! Others may be struggling with their own anxiety/depression demons related to the extreme worry we feel. While the rest of us battle parenting guilt because we can’t deal with the energy of the couped up monsters stuck in our homes! It’s ok to make out of this crisis what you can. I’m merely suggesting to center yourself and look for the bright light whenever possible! Parenting in a pandemic can be better than it appears. Hang in there, and stay safe, everyone!