{"id":28825,"date":"2020-03-25T16:54:32","date_gmt":"2020-03-25T16:54:32","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/localhost\/ftf\/?post_type=first-things&p=28825"},"modified":"2022-03-07T15:46:38","modified_gmt":"2022-03-07T15:46:38","slug":"parenting-in-the-time-of-coronavirus","status":"publish","type":"first-things","link":"https:\/\/www.ftf-stg.magnetry.com\/es\/first-things\/parenting-in-the-time-of-coronavirus\/","title":{"rendered":"Parenting in the time of coronavirus and social distancing"},"content":{"rendered":"

Being the parent of a young child can be stressful under any circumstances, but our current reality makes it even harder to parent during the pandemic. Families have lots of questions, so we reached out to Rebecca Parlakian, ZERO TO THREE\u2019s senior director of programs<\/a>, for her thoughts and advice for parents with babies, toddlers and preschoolers during the pandemic and this period of social distancing.<\/p>\n

\n

CHALLENGING TIMES<\/h2>\n

First Things First: Many families are at home together 24\/7 and will be for some time to come. What are the challenges for parents with young children?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Rebecca Parlakian: <\/strong>Social distancing and rules about staying at home have totally changed daily life for many Americans, my family included. No change is easy, and this has been a particularly rapid and difficult change to adjust to. So when I think about what\u2019s challenging for families, the answer is probably: Everything.<\/p>\n

The rhythm of our days and weeks have changed completely, with schools closed and community resources limited. As we manage these changes, we\u2019re also dealing with very real stressors about health, finances and even finding toilet paper! So this is a very hard time for families. It\u2019s also the perfect time to remember that you don\u2019t have to be perfect! You are allowed to feel tired, stressed and worn out.<\/p>\n

FTF: So what\u2019s your advice to parents in these challenging times?<\/strong><\/p>\n

RP: The only two things that need to be on a parent\u2019s to-do list right now are taking care of themselves and connecting with their children.<\/p>\n

Taking care of ourselves is the oxygen mask approach, like in a plane, when the flight attendant tells us to put on our own mask before helping others. This is a reminder that we need to care for ourselves in order to care for our children. So parents shouldn\u2019t feel bad about carving out time each day to do something that makes them feel good, whether it\u2019s a workout, a shower or a chapter in a book.<\/p>\n

And connecting with our children is not about creating detailed activities that cover every minute of the day. It\u2019s not possible or practical to be engaged with them all the time. Especially if you\u2019re also working from home. Connecting means finding times across the day to share moments of nurturing and affection. To cuddle, hug and kiss them. To read a story, play a game, watch them play, let them help us cook or sort laundry. In times of intense change, children feel safe and secure when they can trust you to be there. That\u2019s when they become free to do their \u201cwork\u201d \u2014 playing, learning, exploring and creating.<\/p>\n