It seems that we have all been living this life with a new set of rules that change every week, if not every day, and somehow, we are getting through it. I will be the first to say that it is not easy. Let’s step back and think about it. Some of us have not made any changes in our lives, but yet, everything has changed. Some of us have made big changes, like new homes, new cities or even new careers, but at the same time, everything around us is also changing. When I say changing, I am talking about the “new world” it seems we are in. It used to be that when we said “social,” we followed it up with the word media, not distancing. Wearing a mask was only what you did one night a year. I’m not going to recap all that has changed here. We know our lives are different, but I do want to take a minute to remind everyone that there are some things that have not changed.
Our children look to us for guidance and stability, and we have to give that to them, even when our lives are constantly changing. We need to be there for them, and they need to know that with all the craziness and changes in the world, they can count on us. I don’t think there is anything wrong with worrying, fear, or being uncertain, but I do think that we need to make sure we don’t let this creep into our children’s lives. They need stability and to not have to worry about these adult problems. Our children need to be children and not grow up so fast. They should never be scared to play outside or worried about where their next meal will come from, or if they are going to have to find a new home.
I say all this to remind you that, as parents, we sometimes forget that our children are watching and listening to our every move and word. So next time you get overwhelmed and get on a soapbox with your spouse or when you are driving and take that phone call and start going on about how hard things are and you don’t know what you’re going to do about the house, your job, or anything else, make sure you do not have little ones down the hall or in the car just listening in. Your children are along for the ride with you, with nothing to do but listen to what you say. Trust me, they understand a lot more than you may give them credit for. Also, know that what they don’t understand, they will fill that void or lack of understanding with something else. That is just the way our minds work, and 9 times out of 10, it is with negative thoughts.
So, I leave you with this. Though we are all making adjustments and moving forward, remember it is not all bad. There are some really awesome things going on. We have businesses opening back up, people are hiring on every street, and projects are getting started again. Take some time and forget whatever it is you’re going through, and just hang out with your children. They will love it and you will, too.
And remember, as my grandmother always told me, “this too shall pass.”
