Be calm about COVID-19 in front of the kids

By Michelle Macicek

As we gear up, again, for the start of a school year with COVID protocols, it feels like we are right back where we started last year. We had a reprieve this summer that felt like we were in the clear for a moment, and things were pretty “normal.”

 I actually found myself longing, from time to time, for some of the stillness and quiet that came with our lives being somewhat put on hold last summer. 

But here we are again receiving emails about what the start of the school year will look like for our children. When will they have to wear masks? Will they have to move to virtual learning? Will we have to quarantine and so on?

It can be easy to openly express your frustrations and fears in front of your children with your spouse, family and friends. It is also hard not to hear the opinions of others on social media and the news; however, as parents we need to stay calm and positive for our children. If we spend our time complaining about things and sitting in a space of worry, our children see it and often model it. 

Let’s take a few minutes to ask ourselves how we can best serve our children and teach them how to respond to difficult situations. If we struggle doing this, perhaps, we need to go to our “Father” to ask for guidance or simply to find peace. When our children see us doing this, we are preparing them for the best way to seek counsel and comfort.

We don’t need to have all of the answers or even to get it right all the time, we simply need to keep trying to show our children the way. So, let’s buckle up, take a deep breath and seek the good as we navigate this year!