family wellness

TAKING THE PRESSURE OFF PARENTS DURING COVID-19

DuPage Medical Group

The pressure of being a parent can be relentless, and a new study from the University of Michigan School of Social Work shows that the coronavirus outbreak is increasing parents’ stress levels. While schools are out and people are home, parents are spending more time with their children. They are showing more affection, participating in educational activities and playing games together. Ninetyone percent of the parents in the survey said they felt very close to their children.

But with all of this change also came stress, as 52 percent of parents said that financial concerns and social isolation were getting in the way of their parenting. Parents also reported yelling at their kids more often than usual, and they were trying to adjust to suddenly being responsible for schooling their children from home. The COVID-19 outbreak is scary, and it’s not going away quickly. So how can we take the pressure off of parents so they can get back to parenting well?

1. Simplify. So many parents are trying to step into the gap and make sure their kids experience everything they would at any other time. But does that make sense? For most of us, that takes a team of people: teachers, daycare providers, coaches, music tutors and so on. Instead, try what doctors do when there is too much going on and triage. What is really important right now and what can wait? It can be hard to let things go, but spreading yourself too thin can lead to nothing going well and extra anxiety. Instead, invest your energy where you think your child really needs it right now and let the rest slide.

2. Take care of yourself. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics’ (AAP) “10 Tips to Help Keep the Calm at Home” during

COVID-19, attending to your own needs is a priority. Try to exercise and get enough sleep. But most importantly, take time to decompress or alternate who is watching the kids if there is another parent at home.

3. Keep the kids busy. This is easier said than done, but loneliness and boredom are big reasons that kids act up. Most parents don’t want to rely exclusively on screen time for this, so try setting up virtual playdates, art projects or “lifeskills” lessons. My kids are surprisingly engaged in learning how to clean the bathroom and sweep the floor. The AAP has a great tip sheet for keeping your kids productive at home.

4. Take time to talk about fears. While most parents are working hard to shelter kids from the worst of the news about the coronavirus outbreak, kids are still hearing about it. Sometimes they overhear bits of adult conversation, or get misinformation from their friends. Kids who are old enough for social media may be getting frightening and incorrect information. Some families may have already faced the death of a loved one from COVID-19. Fears should be brought into the open, and grief passes best when we talk about it with those we love. For more tips about talking with kids about coronavirus, visit DuPageMedicalGroup.com.

As we spend more time at home with our children, it’s important to notice how we feel in our bodies as well as how our children are feeling. If you have concerns about how you or your child are doing, physically or mentally, your primary care provider is a great first resource in ensuring good mental and physical health.

DuPageMedicalGroup.com

CONTINUING TO CARE FOR YOU, SAFELY During these uncertain times, you want to feel confident in your family’s wellbeing. DuPage Medical Group continues to provide dedicated care throughout Chicagoland, while using additional safety measures and patient pre-screening. It’s the same convenient access you expect, with a new level of reassurance so you can keep your close connection with the physicians who know you so well.

Take care of your family’s healthcare to-do list today at ScheduleDMG.com

Connection and a sense of community can be critical to wellbeing as people continue to distance and isolate. It can be challenging, especially for older adults, but there are ways to engage, explore and unwind.

There is no one-size-fits-all solution, so choose a few things that suit you and commit to them. Remember to pay attention to your social and mental health while taking care of your physical health, and consider these ideas from the Administration for Community Living.

CONNECT

• Use social media to stay in touch with friends and loved ones or reconnect with people you haven’t seen in a while.

Take advantage of video call platforms to see faces of family and friends while you talk to them. Write letters to friends and reminisce about some of your favorite memories. Ask them to write back and share their own favorite memories. Keep up to date with current events and stay connected to neighbors by reading local newspapers and community bulletins.

EXPLORE

• Take free courses online. With subjects ranging from computers and cooking to studio arts and foreign languages, there is something for nearly everyone. • Explore zoos and aquariums across the country through virtual tours and lessons.

Many have live webcams that allow you to watch the animals in real time. • Enjoy artwork from around the world.

Thousands of museums and galleries are currently displaying their collections online through virtual tours. • Tour one of the many national parks offerPhoto courtesy of Getty Images

ing digital tours and experiences you can access anytime from the comfort of home.

UNWIND

• Check your library’s free e-books and audiobooks you can borrow without leaving home. Consider joining a virtual book club to connect with others enjoying the same book. • ost dinner or a game night with friends over a video chat. Word, trivia and acting games tend to work well virtually. • Catch free performances online. Some opera houses and theaters are streaming plays and performances for digital audiences. • Watch a TV show or movie while talking to a friend on the phone or over video chat.

Many streaming services offer free trials and some even have a way to watch together online.

(Family Features) For information on services for older adults in your community, contact the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116 or eldercare.acl.gov.