Thought for the day…unexpected change is hard. Today is a snow day and so my children don’t have school as planned. During Covid routine has been even more important to them and to me. The little changes that they may have been able to handle before Covid, may be just too big for them to handle. So what do we do?
Up the nurture for your children, make sure to connect with them several times a day. Give extra treats, hugs and or gentle touches on the shoulder.
Up your self care, change being stressful on them means it is stressful on you. Take the time to sip a warm drink or play a silly game on your phone. Let the children watch a tv show so that you have a few minutes of peace and quiet.
Reflect on why they are doing what they are doing, is it their trauma and or disability talking? Are they able to calm down? Are they being triggered? What has worked in the past?
Don’t take it personally. When they are being grumpy, don’t take it on and think it is something you did wrong. Remember that right now they are not able to handle the change.
Communicate what they are feeling. Let them know that you understand why it is hard on them. They may argue, but remember that you do know them often even better than they do.
Even with changes, get in as much of a routine as you can. As an example, on a snow day we will go into the weekend routine. This is still a routine they understand and can help them get through the day.
Above all be easy on yourself! Remember that you are not alone and there really are many parents and children out there going through the same things…we are here to support one another so try not to go through this alone.
I hope you make it through your snow day or just a day that has not gone as expected. Stay safe out there!