Dear Parents and Caregivers,
Apologies for the frequent emails, but I felt like I needed to address the title of my latest column. Due to a miscommunication between my truly amazing and much appreciated editor, the title of the printed version of my column reads "How to parent in the time of coronavirus" rather than "Parenting in the time of coronavirus" (the online version reads the latter). It may be semantics, but I never want to tell people how to parent, nor do I think it's my job. There are too many variables, individual circumstances, family structures, and family values. There are also a variety of ways to approach raising children. You know your family best. You know what works for your kids. It is not my job to tell you what to do. I see my job as that of being a guide. I provide research and evidence based information. I offer tips and suggestions based on that information. I listen to what is going on in individual homes and respond to those individual family dynamics. When writing for a broad audience it is impossible to respond to all individual dynamics, values and beliefs, and while I attempt to be as inclusive as possible, by nature of a short column I have to generalize. I apologize if the title offended anyone, and I welcome discourse if you feel compelled. I also want to acknowledge that social distancing and keeping especially older teens home is difficult. I will write about that in upcoming posts. My columns are currently on a 6-week schedule for Jackson Hole News & Guide. If you would like to receive my blogs that go out between columns, you can subscribe to my mailing list or find them on Facebook or my website. Take care, go hug your kids, and be well, Rachel Parenting in the time of coronavirus - Jackson Hole News & Guide Dear Parents and Caregivers,
Most of us are in the midst of week two of school closures. Whether your kids are on "spring break" this week (whatever that means since everyone is home anyway!) or are in school, the reality of social distancing and isolation is setting in. How is your family faring? What is really going on inside your home? Collectively we run the gamut: a sigh of relief at a slower pace to pulling our hair out as we try to manage kids at home with seemingly little to do -- not to mention the fear, anxiety and distress this is causing to many of us for a variety of reasons -- loss of jobs, income, security, and even loved ones. I invite you to reach out. Send me an email or message me on Facebook. Share with me your successes and your challenges. Tell me what you need and what would help. I realize written tips may fall on deaf ears if the chaos, meltdowns, and frustrations are constant and unbearable. Hearing the stories from the trenches allows me to be more equipped to know how to help families -- and allows me to share stories of what is working too. Know that above all else, strong relationships matter. Having a strong relationship with a caring adult is a protective factor for children feeling stress, experiencing trauma, or even weathering the instability of today's times. If you are finding this time at home with your children and teens extremely challenging, I am offering virtual coaching sessions at rates that work with families' individual budgets during this time. Don't hesitate to reach out. Now is the time to seek help if you are struggling with challenged family dynamics. Until then, check out my latest column "Parenting in the time of coronavirus" in Jackson Hole News & Guide giving you ideas of how to survive, and at times even thrive, while our kids are learning from home. You can find other resources below as well including a podcast recorded with Nate McClennen on "Learning at Home" and two Facebook videos (links below) shot with Vicki Hoefle on Parenting in the time of the coronavirus. Check out these new resources:
Go hug your kids, take good care of each other and be well, Rachel School closures, social distancing, and the threat of a global pandemic weigh heavily on families. Collectively we may be out of work, scrambling for childcare, losing income, worried about loved ones, learning how to work from home (with needy kids), becoming school teachers, and trying to stay sane. It's a lot!
I am a firm believer in what the scientists and policy makers say about social distancing and "flattening the curve". That includes preventing kids from gathering with each other. How are families to survive? In this blog I share a few resources with you. Next week I'll send out my upcoming column in Jackson Hole News & Guide giving you ideas of how to survive, and at times even thrive, while our kids are learning from home. If you are finding this time at home with your children and teens extremely challenging, I am offering virtual coaching sessions at rates that work with your budget. Don't hesitate to reach out. Now is not the time to be struggling with challenged family dynamics. I can help! In the meantime check out two new resources:
Rachel |
AuthorRachel Wigglesworth has an M.Ed. in Parent and Family Education and is excited to explore the world of raising children with you! Archives
August 2022
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