During this time of challenges with COVID-19, you might be asking yourself, “How can I juggle parenting and homeschooling?” or “How can I make it out of this pandemic while maintaining a good relationship with my child?”
The parent/child relationship can be complex. Being a parent can be one of the most rewarding relationships, but it can also be one of the most challenging. Parents are primarily responsible for nurturing- the physical, emotional, and social development of their children.
So what happens when the dynamic changes? Let’s say, something like a pandemic that then forces the parent to also take on the role of homeschool teacher?
This week we sat down with Diane Sorensen, a parenting expert who talked about how these shifting dynamics can affect the parent/child relationship as everyone tries their best to navigate these waters.
Major takeaways for parenting during a pandemic:
- Sometimes our children can be our most important teachers
- Learning how to have conversations about what you are feeling can help your child feel secure
- Handling your emotions can help your child learn to handle theirs
- What you emulate will be what your children will model
- The most important thing to focus on through this challenge is the relationship with your child
Ask yourself: What are some things you have found to be successful with your child during this quarantine period? What are some challenges you have come up against? What resources do you have available to help you through this time?
Now more than ever, it’s important to turn to the network of people you know who can offer advice or empathize with your journey. You aren’t alone. So many are going through the same things you are, so be sure to connect with people who can help.
Diane offers some very helpful pointers for parents who might be struggling with keeping their kids on task with schoolwork during quarantine. She outlined a few in the interview that we’ve summarized below.
Tips for keeping kids on task with schoolwork:
- Each child is an individual, so sit down and talk with them about what they are feeling overwhelmed with and how they like learning. If they can be included in the discussions, they are more likely to be engaged
- Try breaking things down into smaller tasks throughout the day, taking more frequent breaks so your child isn’t apt to get overwhelmed or burnout
- Take time to MOVE throughout the day to help break up the monotony
The thing your children will remember most about this time in their lives is how the situation was handled. You have valuable teaching moments to model for your children the types of behaviors that will help them learn coping skills and be able to manage their emotions.
Take the opportunities to teach your children just how resilient they can be. You and your child can come out of this experience stronger than ever- as an individual and in your relationship. You got this!
Anjilee & Sara
To hear more from Diane Sorensen, check out her website and blog at dianesorensen.net.