Families and the "Polar Vortex"

by mom enough

 

 

Temperatures hover below zero, schools are closed AGAIN, children are antsy and confused, and parents are stressed. So what can parents do to help their children and themselves through this stressful winter? And, even more important, what can friends, neighbors and employers do to ease the pressure on families whose lives have been affected?
I. Maintain structure and routine for children
Children feel calmer and more secure when they have structure in their lives. So it’s good to maintain regular bedtimes and mealtimes; set aside quiet times to read, practice math or get ahead on long-term school assignments; and find a way to get some physical activity without freezing your tail off – jumping rope in the basement, dancing to favorite music, or exercising to an old workout video. (This is what my 7-year-old grandson calls a chance to "get the wild out"!)
II. Seek help and support for yourself
Many of us are reluctant to ask for favors, but this is a time that calls for it. Tell friends or family members what you need. (They can’t read our minds, even though we might wish they could!) Maybe you want someone to watch your kids for an hour while you make work calls or answer e-mail; someone to pick up groceries for you; a friend to sit and have tea or watch a movie with you. Parents need care for themselves in order to care for their children, especially during such stressful times.
III. If you’re not in this stressful situation, reach out and help someone who is!
Who in your family, neighborhood, workplace or circle of friends is struggling to stay on top of work while their kids' schools are closed? Who is feeling stressed and depressed by the harsh weather and all its complications? How about calling them right now to ask what they need? Or offer something specific: having the kids over for hot chocolate and a board game; making an extra main dish for the family; running errands; babysitting this afternoon while mom or dad goes to work. This might even help YOU ward off cabin fever or the winter blues so many of us seem to be experiencing this year!
Marti Erickson, Ph.D. Owner & Co-host, Mom Enough®
www.MomEnough.com