Parents and Babies Cope With the Pandemic
Let’s be totally honest! All of us are stressed out in this time of pandemic. It has been a rollercoaster of emotions.
We have felt fear, anger, and frustration on some days. But then other days don’t seem so bad.
How can parents and their babies cope with this pandemic stress? One of the answers might surprise you!
One Surprise Solution to the Problem
Have you felt like you’ve run into the proverbial “brick wall”? Do you wander from task to task, but really don’t get much done?
That has been happening to me for at least a couple of weeks now. I usually do a fair job of keeping things organized and under control, i.e., the things I CAN control!
I really had to think about why things weren’t going so well. Finally, I realized that in the last few weeks I had NOT been using THIS: MY CALENDAR PLANNER!!
I have always used some sort of planner to keep myself organized most of the time. But during this pandemic, using the planner is one of the big ways I have been coping with my pandemic stress level.
If I have it planned and see it in print, the task or activity usually gets done. You may also find that a planner can help relieve some of the chaos and stress in your home right now.
Stress Is Bad, But Pandemic Stress is REALLY Bad!
We all know that stress is bad for our minds and bodies. However, most of us find ways to manage our normal stress effectively.
On the other hand, pandemic stress is all together different. We are not in charge at all. In fact, we might feel helpless sometimes.
Parents of school-age children are concerned about their child’s school work, social lives, and emotional health in general. Actually, parents also need to look after their own well-being.
Interestingly, many parents tend to think that their babies and toddlers aren’t affected by the stress around them. Researchers have found that nearly one-half of parents (47%) believe this.
Studies have found that babies from birth through 2 months are not really affected by their parents’ stress. But, starting as young as three months, babies become aware of their parents’ stress.
Your baby begins to recognize and absorb your stress. That means parents must do their very best to learn to manage their stress, wherever it comes from.
Researchers know that babies who experience extreme stress in their very early lives often will deal with short-term and long-term consequences.
Organize Your Way Out of Frustration
Now, I am not a scientist or psychologist. But, I do know that when I am more organized and use my planner, I am less stressed.
Practically every article I have read about dealing with pandemic stress emphasized maintaining a routine for your child. Sticking to that routine creates a feeling of safety and security for your child.
If routine works for babies, it certainly will work for parents. I suggest using a planner to organize your days.
Use the calendar on your electronic devices, purchase one you like, or download a free one from the internet. Whatever your choice, just get started!
Start with one day. Then the next day will be a little easier to organize, etc. Eventually, you fall into a rhythm and routine that can be greatly satisfying.
You will be so amazed at what you can accomplish! However, I have one suggestion for something that must be scheduled and done without fail.
Now Put This In Your Planner Every Day
As you plan your day, include specific time with your baby. Use that time to listen to music, sing, dance, and read stories (lots of them!).
These activities can be real stress-busters for your baby and you. They are also very important to your baby’s growth and learning.
Your baby’s brain is developing faster now than it will at any other time in their life. That is the crucial reason to try not to let pandemic stress overtake you and your child.
Where Love Is Deep, Much Can Be Accomplished-Shinichi Suzuki
Dr. Suzuki always taught us that love for our children and each other was at the heart of his educational method. He believed a child could accomplish anything they chose to do if they had enough love and guidance.
Dr. Suzuki was no stranger to hardship. He lived through the horrors of World War II in Japan. He certainly must have thought at times that it would never end.
But, he persevered. He lived to influence several generations of Suzuki teachers and students. They are even now working to still teach lessons and classes online.
It’s a different world for all of us than it was eight months. We have had to pivot and do things differently.
Our current pandemic situation does not appear to be going away any time soon. It is frustrating and nerve-wracking.
But, if you plan carefully, you may be able to cut down on some of the unnecessary stress in your day. I hope you will make the pivot to using a planner to help de-stress yourself and your family.
You most likely will find some extra time because you have listed your tasks and moved through them. That is the extra time you can devote to your baby.
You will have extra time to love on your little one. That is what makes them feel most safe and secure.
The time you spend together listening to music and reading stories now will be rewarded later. You will be modeling how to manage extreme stress.
Your baby will be watching you and learning how to do the same. Planning time together everyday with music and books can help you and your baby cope with pandemic stress.
As always, on the “Beautiful Heart Musical Journey” with you,
Susan
Comment and Share
Did this post encourage you to start using a planner to organize your day? By using the planner, have you found extra time to spend with your child every day? What activities are you doing together?
Or, do you already use a planner? If so, which one? Do you have a special time scheduled with your child every day? What activities do you do with them?
It would be exciting to hear about your planning experiences. I would really like to share your ideas with other parents in a future blog post.
Feel free to share in the Comments below.
“Your Musical Baby” would love it if you would LIKE us and SHARE with your friends on Facebook & Instagram!
