3 Ways to Reduce Stress When Parenting in a Pandemic

1. Pile on the Positive

It’s easy to forget how much your kids need your love, affection, and praise in the middle of a lengthy, stressful time. No matter how much your kids may have been getting on your nerves during confinement, they still need lavish love.

Surprise them with a tickle fest, snuggle up to them on the sofa to read or watch a film, and catch them doing good. Let them know that you see their positive qualities and appreciate them. Remind them how loved they are.

This approach isn’t only right for them, but also useful for you. It would help if you reconnected with your kids as much as they do with you. Roughhousing and cuddles provide much-needed physical contact that boosts everyone’s moods.

2. Stick to Structure

Maintaining a solid routine may not be achievable with the fluidity of the pandemic. People’s schedules have been upended, and everyone is adjusting as they go.

If kids can’t go to summer camps or childcare, there may be some craziness as parents try to watch them while working. But kids (and adults) often handle stress better if they have some sense of structure to their days and weeks.

Even simple things like consistent mealtimes, bedtime routines, and other family rituals are all helpful. Perhaps you can plan outdoor fun in the mornings and quieter time at home in the afternoons. Consider building in highlights during the week: Wednesday pizza night, Friday movie night, etc.

This strategy can give kids something to look forward to and offers predictability. When kids have an idea of what’s going on, they don’t have to waste emotional resources worrying and wondering. After all, living through the pandemic has brought enough uncertainty for everyone already.

3. Step Back

Of course, as an overwhelmed parent, sometimes you’re going to need to lock yourself in the bathroom (if that’s your only option) or find some other way to find stress relief, if even only for a moment.

It can help you to find activities that will keep your child engaged on their own so you can take a breather. Younger kids can often play with kinetic sand, water, or other sensory items for extended amounts of time. Older kids might be readers or have other hobbies to dive into.

While it’s essential to try to rein in too much screen time, if you’re at a breaking point, sometimes that’s an excellent option to buy yourself some quiet. Remember to breathe deeply, count to ten, and not to be too hard on yourself or your kids while parenting in a pandemic.

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If the stress of parenting in a pandemic has worn you thin, family counseling is another essential option. As a counselor, I can help guide you toward finding a balance at home.

Being a parent isn’t easy; the pandemic has put a lot more on your shoulders. It’s okay to reach out for help from a family therapist. Please reach out to my office to find out more.