There’s no doubt that the current COVID-19 situation here in Australia has left many families isolating at home in order to avoid spreading the deadly virus. However, with that comes a growing misconception that staying at home is a quieter and less stressful affair.
In fact, you might even be under this misconception yourself if you think you will have less stress to manage because your house is a more peaceful place than your hectic office.
The reality, however, is that even a less noisy environment can come with a lot more challenges than you’d expect!
For one thing, not everyone is accustomed to life staying at home all day. Many of us had been used to our routines of being out and about. The same goes for children (especially those with conditions like ASD). The sudden changes brought about by the current situation has a high chance of creating emotional dysregulation that parents must be on high alert for (all while somehow managing their own).
There is also the matter of continuing your kids’ education with all the schools closing down. Homeschooling is not for everybody. Just recently, The Sydney Morning Herald reported that parents who have suddenly been made to work from home are finding it impossible to manage homeschool lessons at the same time.
But as with any situation, there is still a silver lining: You can be ready for this.
Because while stress can be a natural result of an environment, we have the wonderful capacity of regulating the way we feel about it. Preparing ourselves mentally and physically for how we respond to this crisis will pave the way to how we will act. Here are some suggestions.
1. Redefine ‘noise’ and filter it actively.
At this time, it will not be enough to think of noise as just unpleasant sounds. Your household can be as quiet as a church yet you can still be stressed out because of all the things you read on social media, or on the internet.
This is also noise and it needs filtering as well. All the online arguing and re-sharing may only take away your ability to focus on the more immediate needs of your family. You might even say that any noise that comes out of an enjoyable activity together with the kids is much more preferable to all the panicking and ranting on the web!
2. Give everyone space to process the change.
If you and your family have only just recently made changes to stay at home, then it is important to acknowledge how each and every one is feeling. If there are a good number of you who feel upset and helpless, then know that it is perfectly normal. Family members should not feel ashamed or be scolded about their emotions.
Acceptance of the situation is a very crucial step towards better emotional regulation and it is very distinct from suppressing one’s feelings and pretending as if everything is fine. Having everyone in the family come to terms with what’s been happening will make it easier to discuss new routines and ways to help everyone stay at ease.
3. Enjoy more activities together.
Finally, despite all the problems the pandemic caused, getting the opportunity for the family to do more activities together is still an upside. If you felt that you needed to spend more time to bond with your kids, then this is your chance.
Now will be a very good time for families to really come together, where both parents and children have to provide each other much needed mental support. There are a number of activities that you can try, from playing games to even taking part in the same educational program together.
All in all, handling the stress of the current situation should mean avoiding the trap of taking the easy route. Be prepared for the changes that have to be made but take heart and know that you can make it through as a family!
If you need any advice or support, then know that we at the Australian Tomatis Method are still here to help you. Please reach out if you need to, either by email at info@tomatis.com.au or by phone to Francoise at 0414 444 915.
Stay positive and healthy!
