You and your kids during this mess  (Part 15)

A message from Dr. Ziv Simon

 

 

April 3, 2020

 

Hi, 

Third week is in the books! Feels like 3 months.

There was some ground gained and several concepts demystified.

2 steps forward and sometimes one step back.  The pace is not so important as long as we are moving forward with focus and determination. We are making progress but...

Still no clear end in sight.

No knowledge about when this thing will turn a corner. You must be exhausted mentally. I feel you.

Your family is going through this crisis with you and differently than you. Especially your little loved ones. Your kids and I got four of them.

Maybe you go to to the office every day for emergencies or you stay home with them.

Maybe you are the sole bread winner, or you and your spouse both work.  

This crisis affects them the same. Sometimes even more then you. 

Over night their life changed.

They can't leave the house, they can't see friends, they can't train with their team or dance with the company. 

They learn through Zoom. They go to Zoom parties. They have Zoom dance lessons. They meet their friends through Zoom.
(Dance lesson)

They need to release energy and sometimes they will get hurt (or get in trouble). 

And there are those breakdowns too...

Well, things are not too bad. In my house they get a reasonable structure and while it's far from perfect, I'm not going to beat myself up about it.

They study, play, sleep, eat, complain, fight, don't brush teeth and all the regular things like before Corona (BC). 

If your household feels crazy, you're in good company. Join millions of families just like you.

The good thing is that kids adapt. And they adapt fast! We adults can learn from it. They are fully committed and face the new reality head on.

I want you to do the same with focus and determination.
(Zoom meeting)

With all that, they are super aware of what is going on and tap into your concerns and fears. They don't need to understand. They just feel the energy. 

This is where we all have to exercise awareness. 

It's the way you and your spouse handle the challenges and the emotions  that come with them is how they will cope. 

You are their role model.

You think they don't understand money?

I heard them talk about money and when I asked my 7 year old "What are you going to do with all that money?"

She smiled and said :"I'm gonna pay my taxes.....". 

Your kids are listening to you and your spouse. Your conversations about the crisis, about money and about the hardship don't go unnoticed.

Try to avoid overwhelming them with the Corona bad news and death. Don't pretend it doesn't exist.

They know this thing kills. They are afraid of it, consciously or not. 

Tell them how viruses work. How to protect themselves. How to wash hands and fight eczema at the same time...

What they don't need to hear from you is panic, despair, anxiety, and negativity, .

What they need from you is: Positivity, optimism, strength and humor.

Yeah, you got to fake it a little sometimes. It's perfectly fine to put on a happy face even if you don't feel like it.

Your loved ones need inspiration (even if they don't even know the word or can't spell it).

You are a leader. Lead.

It's ok to tell them that you too are scared sometimes. They will relate to you. 

Teach them not to panic or get overwhelmed. Tell them how to handle it in case they do.

Your loved ones want to feel that you got it and that they will be ok. 

You may think they are totally unaware of the financial implications.

Do you think they don't understand SBA loans?

They get it!

They understand dad and mom need help from someone with a funny name that sounds like "Subway".

The word PPP (payroll protection program) just makes them laugh and you can imagine why...

Your kids will feed of your energy. Tap into those reserves when you're with them.

Please don't get the impression that I am implementing everything myself. I try my best. When I fail, I'll try better next them.

Tonight, hug them and share this:  "Corona will go away, I promise, and you will  be able to get out of the house and see your friends again and for REAL!"

"You will be playing soccer and baseball and all the things you miss doing".

They will believe you.

You are their hope and who knows, when it's over they will even think you had something to do with it.

This is how strongly they believe in you.

Stay strong!

Ziv.

ok when nobody is around next to the house