• April 09, 2020, 14:37 pm

• COVID-19
• Families

Cut me some slack – this new normal’s way out of whack!

Denise has been speaking to Dr Emma Woodward about helping parents cope with this strange new normal ‘staycation’. As part of our ‘new normal’ most of the country is working from home (WFH) and internet connections have been a bit sketchy at times. Apologies for some twangy sounds during this video but we think Emma’s message still comes through loud and strong.

PODCAST: CUT ME SOME SLACK — ADVICE FOR PARENTS OF YOUNG CHILDREN

Emma encourages parents to:

Manage yourself

• Notice your early irritation cues (and take action to care for yourself)
• Get some breaks or time out whenever you can
• Try to see what’s happening through your kids’ eyes
• Parent the intention and not the behaviour (expect to see some unusual behaviour at this time).

Remember this ‘new normal’ isn’t normal

• Community trauma can drag up old stuff from our individual experiences
• Lower your performance expectations for you and your kids
• Increase the love and connection within your bubble.

Things to do more of

• Check in – how are they doing?
• Support new learning – if they want it (and consider the word ‘learning’ broadly)
• Check out the Sparklers at Home resources for great support and ideas
• Ask, ‘what makes our family resilient?’

Nurture hope for the future in yourself and your children

• Ask, ‘what’s the absolute best that could happen during this period?’

Check out these links:
The Child Psychology Service

Sparklers
There is practical support and encouragement for every parent or caregiver in Sparklers at Home. Spend some time there!

PODCAST: CUT ME SOME SLACK — ADVICE FOR PARENTS OF YOUNG CHILDREN