Dear Fellow Parents,
If you are like me, the only thing constant in your life right now is change. Every day brings a different set of circumstances, and it can feel like the world is out of control. I wanted to offer some quick thoughts. First and most importantly … The way you respond to Coronavirus will shape the way your kids handle this situation! I’m not suggesting it is going to be easy. But our kids are going to react to our response, and we can influence the way they view our current global concerns. Ultimately, I want my kids to look at this time in a positive light rather than in an anxious, worried way.
Here are some tips:
* Be flexible (this is the one I’m really struggling with right now, so I get it!) … be willing to set aside your structure and schedule for the greater good of building relationships.
* Be thankful … we are commanded in Scripture to give thanks in everything! That includes forced isolation, toilet paper shortages, and unexpected cancellations. Rather than complaining, choose to find things to be thankful for. Express your gratitude verbally. Take turns around the dinner table listing off things for which you are thankful. For years we have prayed every night, “Thank you, God, for the blessings and the challenges.” Well, it is moments like these that test whether or not we truly believe what we say!
* Remember that each family member is facing his or her own set of disappointments, confusion, and challenges … what upsets you might be no big deal to someone else and vice versa. Encourage your children to talk about their feelings and tackle them together in light of the truth of God’s Word.
* Use the time to strengthen family relationships … do as many things as you can together – play games, do crafts, watch movies, go for hikes, go for destination-less drives, listen to stories and audiobooks, have an impromptu dance party, work on a household project you’ve been putting off, help prepare an elderly neighbor’s yard for spring, bake together, learn a new skill together, etc.
* Take advantage of technology (and old fashioned mail) to encourage others outside your family … even young kids can send pictures and letters to friends and family members.
* Endeavor to not just survive, but thrive … look for ways you can grow – spiritually, physically, and academically. How can this situation make me more like Christ? How can I use the time to build healthy habits? What new things can I learn while I wait?
I hope I never come across as someone who’s “got it all together” and thinks they know everything … I’m struggling with this as much as the next person! But I hope that these words can be an encouragement as all of us journey through this craziness together!
Growing in Grace,
Stephani
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