Stick seven humans under one roof for over a month and tell them that they are not allowed to play at parks, meet their friends, go shopping, ride in cars with friends, have a real birthday party, and watch the magic happen!
As soon as schools announced that they were closing and that we were in lock down, my stomach sunk because I knew that this was going to be hard. After pulling my stomach out of my ankles I searched the internet for more information on what this was going to look like. What I was faced with was this blaring message of “We can learn a new language, we can bake, paint and rest more! This is great! This is God, using this to bring us closer together!” and I was like “Okay, but…”
It’s been almost a month now and I can say that the – “We can learn a new language, we can bake, paint and rest more! This is great! This is God, using this to bring us closer together!” Mantra is becoming harder and harder to chant. Because… this….is…hard.
For all the moms out there who are trying to do it all and are crying a little everyday, I see you. If you have added shame to your to-do list because learning a new language right now is absurdité then I want to gently remind you of your real purpose as a mom. A hint, it’s not being a supermom, baking goddess and homeschooling diva.
Your purpose in the midst of a pandemic that is raging across the earth is to comfort.
Isaiah 66:13: “As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you.”
How to comfort your children in the midst of Covid-19
We need to comfort ourselves first.
We love because he first loved us. 1 John 4:19 – Mom’s how can we show comfort to our families if we are not first comforted? Not another to-do list, not another bible study you have to do, just attention to the details of your heart and soul. What do you need right now to feel comforted?
Look for signs that your children need comforting.
I stared at the overwhelming piles of papers on my kitchen table and I sighed as my kids stared at me anxiously, “It’s our first day of school at home” I said to them, “this is hard on your teacher, this is hard on me and this is hard on you, but we’re going to do this together. Nothing will be perfect. We can fight and get mad or we can use different words like – “I’m overwhelmed, I’m tired, I don’t know what to do, this is hard, I feel sad.”
The refusal to do schoolwork, a door slam, a burst of emotions, a sassy attitude is often an unexpressed emotion of “this is hard” Choose to comfort before rushing to discipline and teach your children new words that they are going to need to express themselves. I am big on the importance of discipline but it’s…you know… a pandemic (so try a hug first).
Work Together to Make Your Enviroment Comforting.
Did I say make your home spotless?! lol Nope, just make it comforting. When my youngest is just done it’s amazing how much music in the home brings comfort. I was also recently given an amazing weighted blanket to review and It couldn’t have come at a better time. This blanket has been used from child to child, even the adult kids steal it when no one is looking. I agreed to review it for my son who has ADHD and has trouble falling asleep. This blanket was made to his size and weight and its right amount of heavy to help him feel secure as he falls asleep. I want to name it the pandemic blanket, but I don’t think that would be a wise marketing slogan! But honestly, it’s well made, and we love it! Even I had had a little nap or two under it.
Check out NAMASTE BLANKETS at https://www.namasteblankets.com and the custom ordered kids blankets here: https://www.namasteblankets.com/product/weighted-blanket-for-kids/
They have even offered you a $15 coupon when you use the code sarahb15
Leave Space in The Day to Chat
Especially when it comes to teenagers, just finding space in the day to chat. Not forced conversation, just you, them and a bowl of M&M’s. Try to have some fun topics to chat about during dinner to help keep the converasation light.
Help Them To Connect with Friends Online
I couldn’t believe the change in my kids when I was able to connect them to their friends online. We can’t underestimate how much our children need friendships more than ever. Can I also add how much we need online time with friends too? If you haven’t set your own weekly online chats with your friends schedule it now!
Lots of hugs!
There is nothing more comforting than a mom’s hug!
This is hard moms and my advice to you as a mom of five who is taking this day by day with wins and failures is to not make it harder on you and your family by unrealistic expectations. We are in a crisis not a vacation or sabatical. It’s hard, so be gentle and lead with love.
I created a support group online for moms who need a little more encouragment during this crisis. https://www.facebook.com/groups/853009275126112/
Come join us!
