Parenting in 2020, the C-year

With many people home due to the State of Emergency surrounding the Coronavirus, life has taken a distinct turn. What a wonderful opportunity for parents to observe their children at play, at work, at rest… and at their mischievous best.

Should parenting be any different in this time, I wonder? Surely the basics remain the same – we want them to grow up as people of character, with courage and kindness.

Parent them as you would normally parent your children: with fun and firmness, as well as balance and boundaries. Continue gently shaping their characters. Now is not the time to mindlessly leave them to their own devices, but also beware of overscheduling their days. Set aside blocks of time to give structure to each family member’s day, and by so doing, avoid conflict when they want to use the same resources simultaneously. Some blocks of time may be: Quiet Time, Meal Prep, Computer, Chores, Exercises, Music, Workshop time with Dad, Play Time and Yard Time.

Such blocks of activities help to dispel the chaos and are the brainchild of American home educator Marilyn Howshall. Do google her page Lifestyle of Learning. One can trawl the internet for useful activities and free games/books/movies, but do encourage individual creative ideas like role-playing, painting and cooking.

Have discussions on how a curious mind can never be bored and make available all your resources for them to discover, encouraging curiosity. And no playtime/project is complete until the mess has been cleared away! Be strict on this. Responsibility can be taught from an early age, as can selflessness and respect.
Decide as a family how you can reach out to others and be of service. Will you sew masks? Deliver groceries? Send virtual messages of hope? Do the laundry for an elderly couple? Lead your youngsters in understanding how they can pray for the suffering of the world. Keep it light without burdening young souls too much. Let them vent their feelings and take it from there.

Pray for grace to be able to manage this uncertain period. We need all the grace we can get!

Christine Stoman