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THE POSTPANDEMIC FAMILY COVID-19 forced families to get back to basics. How can we capitalize on that as busy routines resume? | BY JASON SABO
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hile there is no doubt that COVID-19 will have longterm mental health implications, some of the changes that forced families to spend time together during stay-at-home, work-athome and virtual learning may have positive impacts. I do not want to invalidate the
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struggles families are facing. They are real, and families are dealing with extremely difficult situations that have threatened their basic need for safety and security. However, the pandemic can be an opportunity for our resilience to shine through and to show our children how to make the best of even the worst situations. We are not always in control of our circumstances, but we are in control of our attitude. Within this pandemic, I
have seen a lot of families dealing with stressful situations. However, I have also seen a great deal of resilience, both by parents and children. I have seen families adapt by eating more family dinners together, rediscovering “old school” board games, going on family walks and taking trips to local parks. The circumstances of the pandemic have created an unexpected reset, allowing families to simplify their lives in many ways.
