Where do we start after seeing the signs of stress in our families? Is there anyone who has survived the Coronavirus without some type of injury?
You may not have actually become sick or tested positive for an invasion of the virus in your body. However, every one of us has been challenged by the invasion into our lives!
As adults, we’ve certainly been going through this strange time with new stresses. Although it can be easy to focus on our own experience, it’s important for parents to understand our children are going through their own unique experiences and stresses!
Let’s discuss how to empower your children to thrive even during the unexpected and overwhelming changes that have occurred in our lives.
I had the pleasure of discussing ways to empower children throughout these turbulent times with Ted Robertson on KRDO’s Afternoon News.
I send my deepest gratitude out to Ted Robertson and the staff at KRDO. This was an amazing opportunity to reach a broad audience via this well-known and highly informed radio host. Plus, the support offered by Robertson and the staff at KRDO certainly increased the impact of the message delivered.
Ted Robertson has also graciously invited me to discuss the highly effective Pillars for Success parenting program on KRDO Radio on October 5, 2020. If you don’t happen to catch the live broadcast, we’ll also post it on our blog once it’s available online.
For now, you can listen to our brief discussion below or keep scrolling to read my main points about seeing the signs of stress and how to empower children through these times.
KRDO Afternoon News w/ Ted Robertson – Sandra Kwesell – Seeing the Signs of Stress
10 Tips to Empower Your Children Through the Pandemic
- Thank them whenever possible (for their help, for playing quietly, for following directions, for being kind, etc.).
- Support your children in adapting to the new school/remote learning schedule:
- Ask your kids how they feel about the changes in their lives.
- Ask them if they were in charge of creating a good plan, what would it look like?
- Writing down their thoughts as they talk will help them feel that their thoughts and ideas are important.
- Praise them for having a great plan. Remind them that the “experts” have already made the decisions about school, safety requirements, wearing a mask, etc.).
- Ask them how hard it is for them to feel isolated from their friends.
- Compliment their positive suggestions and perhaps even help them write a letter to the Mayor or the City Council telling them how they feel.
- End the conversation by thanking your children for being part of the family “solution team.”
- Let them know that there are many things over which we have no control. However, there are still areas of our lives over which we do have control—help them list some of those areas,
- Suggest that they could be part of a family team to help to create a plan for next time stressful issues arise.
- Ask them how you can help them when they are having a hard time.
- Remind them that this, too, will eventually settle down. Most of life will return to “normal” (though it may be a “new normal”).
- Tell your kids that when they have something important to say they can talk to you about scheduling a family meeting at a day and time that will work for everyone.
Continue to See the Signs of Stress and Empower Your Children!
Remember that we’re all going through new stresses since the Coronavirus invaded our lives, your children included. By simply listening and working with them, you can help them develop better coping skills. And, it might just help you too!
