The Opportunity

Blogger: Sash

There’s little doubt that the corona virus is having a huge impact on family and relationships.

The impact on our mental health cannot be underestimated with the roller coaster of some countries easing restrictions, experiencing a second wave and then reverting back to restrictions.

Many of us have lost jobs or are working from home with babies, toddlers, children or teenagers. Some are also caring for elderly loved ones or are key workers who need to go to work and leave their children in childcare hubs.

We all are in the same boat facing different challenges around routine, missing social contact, staying in.

However, this time is also a huge opportunity…

Opportunity to reflect

2020 has stopped us in our tracks and afforded us the opportunity to reflect, recharge and reset.

Life has been so fast paced with many of us following the same routine of school, work, home, sleep… day in and day out.

As a parent, you need personal alone time too and it’s okay to find and take it. If there are other adults in the house, enabling each other to have personal time makes a huge difference. It’s especially important with babies and toddlers. If possible, try and use nap times to recharge rather than clean or work.

Opportunity to connect

This time has been the perfect opportunity to get to know our children better, to bond and be together as a family. To simply have fun…

Like many homes during this time, puzzles and games have been an essential item in our home too!

Dancing has become one of our favourite pastimes in the evenings. Simply putting some music on and being silly. Laughter is the best medicine.

Unprompted, our 4 year old son has taken it upon himself to be our personal trainer creating exercise routines in the lounge. For example, placing pillows on the ground as obstacle courses for us to jump over. Plus sit ups with him ‘blasting’ my tummy fat with balloons!!

So if anyone needs to blast some fat and is looking for a personal trainer, give us a buzz :)

We share more in our latest book…a snippet of our home during the corona virus.

We can’t have the big birthday bashes this year; can’t celebrate our families milestone birthday’s in person. This time has shown us that it’s not in the big bashes or the lavish spending, but in the love and care shown (even from a distance) that makes the difference. Phone or video calls with friends and relatives can be a good way to keep in touch. And the old fashioned letter writing for children and adults is a nice way to surprise a person we are missing.

Opportunity to be creative

Like many others, we had plans to travel overseas this year.. With this and domestic travel no longer feasible, the options are limited.

However, this should not stop us from making the most of this time. It is a perfect opportunity to still take time off and be creative and think of daily adventures within the house.

And on a positive note it won't make much of a dent to your pockets :)

Some ideas include:

A picnic in the backyard or in the lounge.

Camping indoors or in the backyard

If you have older children, take turns cooking and turn it into something similar to 'Come dine with me' including responsibility for the entertainment.

Opportunity to review

This time has also ‘forced’ us to focus on how and where we spend our money.

With many people losing their jobs, this has created an opportunity to reassess or review spending habits. Even if you are already frugal, it doesn’t harm to review spending patterns. We do this twice a year & always find areas to make changes.

This time has also caused some to look at alternative sources of income outside of their primary career due to job shortages. You may not be working in the job you want to right now or earning what you used to, but know that your contribution is important and makes a difference. Remind yourself that unemployment is not permanent. You are more than your job. This too shall pass. Yes, the road is bumpy right now but it won't be like this forever.

If you are struggling financially the following links may be useful:

Australia : corona virus financial help

UK: corona virus support

US: corona virus related financial assistance

You are not alone

It is sad to note that in a survey done in Australia almost 60% of practitioners said that COVID-19 had increased the frequency of violence at home. The number of first time family violence reports had gone up 42%.

For individuals based in the UK there are numerous government and third sector organizations, which can provide all manner of support. These include :

24 hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline or 0808 2000 247

Scottish Women’s Aid Helpline: 0800 027 1234

Scottish Domestic Abuse And Forced Helpline: sdafmh.org.uk

Live Fear Free – All Wales Domestic Abuse & Sexual Violence Helpline: 0808 8010 800 or livefearfree.gov.wales

Northern Ireland Women’s Aid Federation: 0808 802 1414

Victim Support Helpline: 0808 168 911 victimsupport.org.uk

Southall Black Sisters: 0208 571 0800 southallblacksisters.org.uk

Sharan Project (South Asian Women Help & Support): 0844 54 03231

Honour Network – Karma Nirvana: 0800 599 9247 or karmanirvana.org.uk

Ashiana Project: 0208 539 0427

Refuge: refuge.org.uk

Women’s Aid Federation of England: womensaid.org.uk

The Hideout: thehideout.org.uk

Love Don’t Feel Bad: lovedontfeelbad.

In Australia,a 24hr counselling and support service 1800respect.org.au or 1800 737 732

In America, a 24hr counselling and support service thehotline.org or 1800 799 7233

It's the simple things that make life worthwhile. So let's cultivate gratefulness into our day. Focus on the positives, make the most of each moment and don't be afraid to ask for help. We are in this together.

Please like and share this post....I'm sure there's at least one person in your circle who will be encouraged :)

Your fellow Rookie Parent,

Sash

I am an Accountant, Author and Blogger. Home is Australia with my husband and 4 year old son.

I believe that in sharing we grow.  And that's how this website and blog was born focusing on children and parents. It sure does take a village to raise a family and build a home.

It's so easy to forget 'you' on this journey. This website's here to remind you not to!