You Are Not Alone

We all know that parenting requires a great deal of dedication, sacrifice, and time. Unfortunately, if you are a working parent, time is often short for supporting your children. Work can require us to spend a significant chunk of our day away from our children and our goals on raising healthy, happy, and well-adjusted children. However, parents are finding ways to balance work and family life. Here are some tips that may help you strike that balance and continue moving forward with your family goals. You are not alone.

Calling all adults in the house!

*How many adults are in your family? Do all adults in your home have the same goals and attitudes for your children?  If not, now is the time to sit down with the adults to discuss what you are trying to accomplish for your children.  What kind of help do you need? Are there things other adults in the house could do to make your home more efficient?  How can you create a family schedule which meets the needs of everyone? Organize all adults to help you run an efficient home.

Talk to your children:

*Are you setting aside time to talk to your children each day? The last thing you need is to have children who feel neglected or lonely. Do you talk to your children about their feelings, friends, studies, and things they did throughout the day? Talking regularly to your children is one of the best ways to connect with your children, letting them know that you care enough to make time in your busy day for them. What did you learn today about your children? If your answer is, “Nothing.” Then talk with them asap.

Should children help at home?

*Chores are an essential part of a child’s development. This concept was well known to previous generations. Great Grandmother would say, “Many hands make work light!” That saying has been handed down in many families and one that we can pass on to our children.  Unfortunately, we are not doing our children a favor by not giving them age-appropriate chores.

How can chores help your child?

*Chores teach children life skills. They help children learn responsibility and self-reliance. Chores can help teach teamwork.  They can help reinforce respect and build a strong work ethic. Chores give families a chance to bond, and they teach and help improve family time management.  In addition, children are contributing to the family when they do chores. Children can help run a more efficient home. 

Seek others for help and support.

*What kind of support or help could you use?  Do you need occasional support with childcare? Grandparents or relatives may be available to help care with childcare. You may be able to band together with neighbors or parents of your child’s friends to share time with children. Who are the people in your circle who would be interested in working with you? Joining forces and working together can be a beneficial bonding for everyone.

Use your local library.

What else can a library provide?

Visiting a library can be a wonderful family event and provide many opportunities for your child. Libraries offer free activities for children and adults. Get to know your librarian. Libraries also provide a quiet place for children to study. Many libraries offer special services to help children with research projects, including internet access and help, workshops, and tutoring programs. You can use interlibrary loan to borrow books, not in your library. Check out your local library.  Your local librarian will also keep you informed about community family events. So, go to your library and find some fun and interesting activities for you and your child!

Other Resources:

1. Health checkups- During Covid19, many health checkups for children were put on hold. Contact your family doctor to find out which age-specific checkups are suggested for your children. It is also important to include dental and vision checks for your children. Problems in any of these areas can adversely affect your child’s ability to focus on learning.

2. Discuss learning difficulties with your family doctor and staff at your child’s school. The school nurse, your child’s teachers, the child study team can also be helpful resources. They are there to help you and your children.

 3. Religious leaders in your house of worship are there to help you. Contact them for resources. 

School Supply Needs:

Do you need help obtaining school materials such as pencils, paper, pens, crayons, backpacks for your children? If so, contact your child’s school or family doctor. The school social worker, school nurse, or your child’s teacher may be able to help your child obtain free supplies. No child should go without school supplies. There are many resources, and professional people keep everything confidential.

You are Not Alone:

 Remember, you are not alone.  Make a list of people who can help you. Keep the list for future reference.