Parenting during a pandemic is challenging and creates an emotionally tense environment in our home. We are physically and mentally affected by this Covid-19 pandemic. No usual weekend outings with my kids that we used to enjoy, and no travelling. We have to adapt to the new norm and practice all these SOPs that create many curious questions from our children. “What is SOP mummy??” Fear, stress and anxiety are the feelings that surrounds us this pandemic.
Kids seem to be happy knowing that mummy and daddy are working from home. But the reality is most of the time they are being scolded because they are not concentrating during their Google class and parents are busy working with tight deadlines and back to back meetings.
Our daily routine is being scheduled. We have 5 laptops (parents and 3 schooling kids), with one Wifi connection to be shared among us. One of the biggest challenges is to get a stable connection, and when there is a line interruption, all hell breaks loose!!
Another concern is space. Kids are sharing a table, learning at the living hall while me and hubby share the same working desk. Honestly, sometimes when we face each other for too long, kids and hubby do irritate me. Stressful workloads, demanding deadlines, and worrying about losing our job, all create frustration and I can’t control that temper when kids are throwing tantrums and fighting with each other.
At the same time, I am worried for my kids’ eyesight, and keep nagging them to balance time for playing computer games. They have google class from morning until 1pm and continue to play games after a few hours.
The hilarious part is hearing the daily statement from my kids “I am Hungry!”. It seems to be easy task, but not at the right timing when you have to join zoom meetings that seems like it’s never ending or when you’re handling an urgent task. I am thankful that my mum in-law prepares our daily home cooked food and takes care of my little kiddos.
After the first MCO period, I began to learn and adapt to this pandemic routine. A more organised schedule and plan reduce unnecessary stress and balances our emotions to create a healthier environment in our family.
Here are some of the activities/plans that I’ve put into place for a better bonding relationship with my children.
- Plan the daily work task ahead and try to get off work on time. Take a short break in between. Spend time at night and weekends with kids. Watching movie together, munching on snacks and play games together. We also did funny videos in TikTok, enjoy the singing session at WeSing apps and playful exercise movements to keep them active.
- Praise the kids if they have done the homework given and if they behave well on particular days. Reward them with their favourite snacks or drinks. Sometime we also need the enjoyment of food at home and I will order food delivery.
- Buy more childhood or education games such as monopoly, scrabble, congkak, board games, etc to have play time together.
- Do cleaning together and discover many treasures at home. Found long lost toys, pictures, books and other interesting stuff that brings us sweet memories especially showing my photobook collection to my children and telling them how fast they have grown up.
- Dress up and role play activities. Although we can’t go out, we can buy clothes we like, put on some make up and dress our little ones to make them happy.
- Create mess together in the kitchen and just have fun cooking and eating our favourite food.
- Motivate and positive sharing with my children to assure them to overcome their fears and always remind them about hygiene. I also remind them on the importance of taking daily supplements.
- Self-care and ME time. Shower is my best ME time.
It is easier said than done. Just be patient, believe and think positively. Do our best to keep our kids safe and loved. Hugs and kisses are all they need.
‘Even after the worst storms, the sun will shine again’
Article by:
Koo Pooi Yee
Instagram: www.instagram.com/yeekoo17/
