I’ve been receiving a lot of questions from mums and dads who are divorced and separated about parenting during the COVID-19 pandemic. I understand why – even if you are on the same page as your ex-partner generally, the unsettling times we are living can throw a spanner in your carefully constructed parenting regimes.
Parenting
A Roadmap for Co-Parents During COVID-19
Parenting is an exercise in organisation, communication, and flexibility at the best of times. Co-parenting, particularly in blended families, is even more complicated. And in the midst of a pandemic, it’s exponentially harder.
When Schooling Comes Home
By: Collett Smart
There is a staggered start to online learning all over the country this month – as school holidays officially end. Like many of you, I am picking up this next plate to add to those already spinning in the air. I am actually a teacher as well as a psychologist and let me reassure you, this is not homeschooling. This is not even normal schooling for schools!
What to do When You’ve Made a Mistake With Your Child
I recently received an anonymous message from a devastated mum. After reading one of my articles about why we should never threaten our child with abandonment – like “If you don’t get in the car right now I’ll leave you here at the park”, she wrote in anguish:
How Housebound Families Can Stay Sane
By: Collett Smart
Many around the world have been housebound for some time now. We’re not even sure when this way of living will come to an end. How might we navigate everyone being at home, in a confined space, for most of the day, for an unknown period of time… and still maintain mental fitness?
10 Promises to Declare over Your Family
By: Sabrina Peters
There are so many great things that we can do (and should do) for our kids, but in the midst of all the practical demands may we never forget our role as their parent is to raise spiritual giant killers (not obedient robots).
How to Get Your Teen to Take Isolation and Social Distancing Seriously
A few Saturday nights ago (only 36 hours before all restaurants and cafes were closed by the government) my 17-year-old daughter grabbed the car keys, called out “See ya Dad!” and ran down the front steps to head out with friends.
How to Set Up Home Schooling – Expert Help for Parents
By: Laura Bennett
Many parents have pulled their kids out of schools to help slow the spread of COVID-19. For many parents, diving head-first into home schooling will feel daunting – but it is possible to set up an effective learning environment at home.
How to Talk to Kids about Bad News in the Media
By: Collett Smart
We know that we can’t shield our children, because they will hear ‘bad news’… from peers, siblings, online… But how much is too much information? And what is age appropriate? (I cover both younger children and teens in this video).
My Child is Struggling Because Everything Is Being Cancelled
We’re living in unprecedented times. Offices are shut, streets are increasingly empty, and some people are locking themselves away. The uncertainty that we are grappling with is challenging enough for us as adults, but it’s also hard on our children.