While we thank the essential workers for the hard work they are putting into fighting this crisis, we should extend our gratitude for all the moms at home, holding down the fort. Though lockdown has been easy on the rest of us on the work front, moms have been exempted from this respite. In addition to taking care of household chores and office work, the moms during quarantine have to keep an eye on their naughty little munchkins throughout the day. Due to strict adherence to social distancing, school and colleges have been suspended until further notice. So, moms not only have to babysit their children but also have to play the role of teacher and friend.
On top of all this, there is the stress of surviving through a pandemic. If you think your children are “just kids” and don’t understand what is going on – you are quite wrong. They are intelligent enough to notice the change in your daily behavior. They hear bits and pieces of news. They understand that they are not allowed to go meet their mates as usual. Even though they don’t know about the pandemic, they are aware of the crisis. This may cause a significant change in your kids’ behavior. They may suddenly be clingy or too detached, sad, or unnecessarily curious – and it is okay for you as a parent to feel overwhelmed by this sudden change in behavior.
You may be getting the not-so-nostalgic feeling of being a new parent. The amount of things-to-do seems to be never-ending. You are not alone. This Mother’s Day, celebs like Kareena Kapoor Khan and Shilpa Shetty Kundra posted the same sentiment on their Instagram handle. Shilpa Shetty even expressed how exhausting it can be to keep the kids entertained throughout the day while limiting their screen time simultaneously. It’s important to let the other mothers know that the problem is shared no matter where you are. So we are here to help you get back to the basics you always relied on:
1. Ask For Help
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Always ask for the help you need. Your significant other may be busy but they are equally responsible for the well-being of your child. Communicate with your spouse on how he can help you. Figure out a strategy that works for both of you.
2. Take A Break
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If your instinct screams “I need a break”, go ahead and take one. It is important to give yourself some time amid all the family drama. Time to regroup your thoughts, to plan how to move ahead with a project or just to stare at the trees from your balcony.
3. Treat Yourself
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Do an activity just for yourself, even if it’s just indulging in a facial or taking a luxuriously long bath. Treat yourself with activities that you like or interests you. Keep this time aside for yourself, when you can just lay on the couch and read the book you meant to finish a week ago.
4. Sleep When They Sleep
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This one can be tricky but it has proven to be quite effective over time. Since now your kids are a bit more grown-up, they must have a certain schedule when it comes to nap time. Plan your routine in a way so that you can also get the eight hours of necessary sleep you need.
Amid all this crisis, kids will respond positively towards stability. Therefore, even if you are stuck at home, make a routine, and follow it religiously. Keep calm as much as possible and remember that this is just a passing storm.
Share with us your parenting experience during the lockdown in the comments below.
