Managing the stress and anxiety of family life during COVID-19 is no easy feat. All of a sudden we are managing multiple roles; parent, employee, friend, partner and lover all in one physical space. Our partner is also simultaneously doing the same thing! For each partner all of these roles are also intersecting each other much of the time. Then, put this together with the reality that each parent and child have their own ‘style’ of managing the stress and uncertainty of this time. It’s a tall order for how we as a family or couple manage the new lifestyle under a pandemic.

Having regular positive time together to connect and decompress is a valuable de- stressor. Here is one activity that can de done together weekly that can help. It can even include extended family members and/or friends by doing it on video.

Rose and Thorn of your Week

Each person is given the chance to share their;

Rose, One great thing that happened for me

Thorn, One challenge I faced

Bud, One special thing that is taking form for me

Everyone has an opportunity to participate in the discussion. It’s an opportunity to learn about each other in a way we might not get to through the course of everyday conversation. And, it builds understanding and empathy for each person.

I have included a link to an article about family stress during COVID-19 for your review. It includes several useful stress-management strategies for all of us. It’s worth the read, it’s short and concise!
 Coping with Stress and Anxiety in Family Life During COVID-19