Parentlife

parentlife

WITH STACIE GAETZ

Communication & compassion are key

Although we are all thrilled with the prospect of “getting back to normal” after a year-and-a-half of COVIDinduced lockdowns and uncertainty, the end of restrictions creates another kind of stress and anxiety for us all.

Children are no exception. In fact, the addition of even more change on top of everything else they have been through since March 2020 may hit them harder.

It is not always as simple as reassuring our kids that “everything is going to be OK” or that “COVID is over.”

Unfortunately, preparing them for what is to come and how to handle it when even we don’t know is a fine balancing act.

Alberta’s Minister of Health Dr. Deena Hinshaw remarked on the fact that although there will no longer be enforced provincial restrictions, returning to a sense of normalcy will look different for each family.

“It means moving at the pace that is right for you,” she said at a press conference just before restrictions lifted on July 1.

“If you are not ready to do something or want to take extra precautions, that’s perfectly OK and if all of us can approach others with compassion in this time of transition, it will make a critical difference in the next week and months.”

I agree and feel that there are two very important factors that we need to keep in mind during this time: communication and compassion.

It is critical that you make the best choices for your family and then tell your children about them. Let them know why you have decided to continue to wear a mask at the grocery store or mall when other people may not be. Let them in on the decision to go to the zoo and Heritage Park but hold off on Calaway Park this year.

Teach your children to be caring towards others and not to judge them for their choices. Let them know that all families are different; what may work for their friends may not be the best choice for you and explain why (in an age-appropriate way).

After months of isolation and being apart, the last thing we need is for a time that should be bringing us together to further divide us.

Do what’s right for your family and let your children be a part of the process. Because we all feel a bit more at ease when we are included in the conversation. life

“Make the best choices for your family and then tell your children about them”

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