Take photos: Okay…this one’s more for the parents/grandparents/other extended family members, but the school year goes by fast. It’s never bad to take a moment to cherish the day, too.
Photo from ShutterstockNo matter how hard parents try, it is impossible to hide their stress from kids. That's according to a new study published in the journal Family Psychology. As parents are juggling home school, work (or no work), social distancing and trying to figure out how to keep their family safe, it all adds up to stress.
The study says if you are trying to hide that stress from your kids, it won't work. You know as a parent you say things like "Ok, I'm fine." But, according to the study 'that only makes you less available to your child.'
Researchers say that while parents think they are protecting their kids by keeping mum on how they are really feeling, kids aren't buying it. In fact, they say kids can pick up on what you aren't saying and that kids actually feed off of us and can sense our emotional states which makes them react emotionally.
As an adult, during Covid-19 you may be worried about your job, health, finances, etc. But, the experts say you keeping those feelings 'in' and away from your kids, doesn't get rid of the feelings. Pediatrician Dr. Jenny Radesky who teaches at the University of Michigan, says your feelings "stay under your skin in the form of changes in your heart" and impact how your nervous system functions. Hiding your emotions can equal you becoming irritable, overreacting or yelling at your kid.
STRESS MANAGEMENT TIPS -
- Not stress about your stress
- Honor their feelings and your child's feelings
- Give yourself permission to feel
- Not play the 'blame' game, and express yourself - kids will see you managing that and learn to do the same
