It can be touch to deal with but life goes on when you have kids
When parents are faced with traumatic events through no fault of their own it can be hard to manage family life while coping with the stress of it all. Whether your family is having money problems, family issues or facing hard decisions it is never easy minding the kids while having other things to focus on. However, with a few little changes you can somehow manage it all and here are a few ways to help you along this rough path to get you through it and your family too.
- Don’t let the kids overhear, instead let the information come directly from you- The scariest thing for your child is to overhear you talking to someone about your crisis without hearing it from you. Sure, they don’t need to know everything about you but if this affects them they should be told. However, the details should come from you so you can reassure them and answer any questions that they may have.
- Ask for help- If you are struggling to manage, there comes a time when you should accept that and ask for help. This is for you and your children, anyone would be happy to help while you deal with problems and it will give you some headspace too.
- Be as honest as you can but take your kids age into consideration- When you are discussing the issue with your kids be as honest as you can while taking their age into account. Honesty is important but there are always some things that your kiddie may not need to know and you must decide what those things are.
- Admit your struggles but try to remain calm- Admitting to your kids that there is a crisis or a struggle going on isn’t easy but it must be done as they will inevitably pick up on your mood. Remain as calm as you can and if you are feeling emotional try stay in control, that’s not to say getting upset is wrong but some kids will worry about their parents and become sad themselves for their parents.
- Keep the kiddies busy- While going through hard times if you can keep the kids in their normal routine and busy, it will benefit all the family in the long run. Pop them into after school activities, if you are struggling to do the homework find out if there is an afterschool club available. Let them go to their usual activities so life isn’t overly affected by the issues going on in the background.
- Get everyone involved- Get your partner involved and all your extended family. Take turns helping each other like any good family should and let yourself work with others to try and sort out the crisis.
- Take each day as it comes- Each day changes and each one gives another opportunity to sort things out and move on in a positive manner.
It isn’t easy at all and there will be hard times ahead but laugh with the kids when you can, play with them when you can and don’t be so hard on yourself as you are doing the best that you can.
Written by Emma Hayes, staff writer at Family Friendly HQ
