Makin‘ It Happen hosted a Zoom conversation April first on the subject of “Pandemic Parenting!” This was the 2nd Zoom forum in MIH’s series, “I’m okay, are you okay?” We will be hosting these forums every week on Wednesday afternoons at 3:00PM. Community of Care manager, Brian Mooney facilitated the pandemic parenting conversation with Manchester, NH educator and author, Carol Garhart.
During the current response to the Covid-19 pandemic, many parents are faced with balancing working from home, having their children’s daycare or school closed, and responsible for keeping up with assignments on-line. In addition to the sudden and drastic changes in every day life, people are experiencing heightened anxiety about potential illness, and their children’s fears as well.
The conversation covered a full spectrum of topics starting off with how to talk to children about being afraid. Honesty was the preferred method of Garhart, who suggested always being as honest and straight forward as possible with your children. There were questions about how to maintain schedules under stressful conditions, and sometimes not keeping a schedule was the best solution. We talked about mealtime and how to manage kids who are used to certain meals when stores are out of many items that are usually in plentiful supply. Offering options, or even setting out a buffet are ways that can help when the usual meals may not be available. Garhart also talked about Grandparents using discretion when taking care of their grandchildren and encountering their kid’s parenting in ways they might not agree with!
The hour long conversation was packed with helpful information for parents in all kinds of situations. One situation that everyone can relate to is the fact that tensions are high, things are changing daily, and this is going to be messy. And that is okay!
To learn more about the important work of our presenter, Carol Garhart go to: https://www.amazon.com/Carol-Garhart-Mooney/e/B001IU0LQY?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1586183067&sr=8-1
Feeling the stress? Our community partner Waypoint is launching a free Family Support Warm Line 800-640-6486 on April 06th. Reach out for help with everything from coping to parenting to managing to connecting. For more info on Family Support Warm Line go to: https://waypointnh.org/programs/the-family-support-warm-line
