parenting in the new normal

Parenting in the New Normal: 5 Tips to Survive and Thrive

Calling all parents!

How’s being a parent during the pandemic?

Even after a year and a half, parenting in the pandemic still seems like new territory for most. Juggling zoom meetings, guiding the kids with online learning while squeezing in all household chores. It still takes some getting used to.

Sounds familiar, right?

It’s no wonder why many moms and dads experience anxiety and burnout!

But don’t worry, you can do it! Here are 5 tips to help you survive and thrive parenting in the new normal:

1. Remember God’s character

When things are uncertain and unsteady, it is good to be reminded of who your anchor is — Jesus. Rediscover God through His Word and look back to how good He has been in your life before the pandemic and how He has been sustaining you until today.

Reminding yourself of God’s unchanging character will help you trust in Him during changing times.

2. Reach out to your children

Have you set regular check-ins with your family?

If you haven’t, you can start today! It is important to set aside time with your children and talk about their feelings, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) suggested.

Take time to sit down with everybody and ask, “How are you? How are things going? How are you doing? Do you need help?” Use that information on how you can help them adjust to the new normal.

3. Communicate with your employer

Some parents are uncomfortable to talk to their employers about their parenting responsibilities.

However, if you are having a hard time taking care of your children recently or you need more time to adjust to the new normal, may need to make some arrangements with them about your schedule and workload.

Exchange Family Center recommends that you try to offer a schedule that works for you. At the end of the day, it would be helpful if you are transparent with your employer about your situation.

4. Find time to take a break

Self-care is important, even before the pandemic, and all the more for parents now. Take time for yourself, rejuvenate, and model that for your children as well.

To take good care of your children, start by taking care of yourself.

5. Cover your children in prayer

Many things have changed since the pandemic started, and they will continue to change from day to day. But God’s love for you and your children will stay the same!

Prayer is the greatest weapon you can give them. So, pray for your child and with your child. Ask God to protect, strengthen, and give each one of you the wisdom you need as you all face the new normal. Pray for joy and lasting peace.

Parenting during the pandemic isn’t for the faint-hearted. But with the help of your loving God, you got this. The new normal is here — so as God’s new mercy every morning.

“The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:22-23)

Are you concerned about how you can survive and thrive in parenting during the new normal and beyond?

We would love to comfort you through prayers. Do not hesitate to call the CBN Asia Prayer Center at 8737-0700 or send in your prayer requests to our Facebook page.

5 Keys to Strengthen Parent-Child Relationships – Beyond Small Talk

There is no such thing as a perfect family.

Despite good intentions and best efforts, parents can still fall short. As children grow up while parents grow old, disagreements may arise. Misunderstandings may become frequent, too.

If you can relate to the statements above and you are wondering how you can better your relationship with your parents, Beyond Small Talk is here to help you!

Actress Princess Punzalan, who wears the hats of a daughter and a mother, shares 5 keys to improve and strengthen parent-child relationships:

1. When you see your parents trying to reach out to you, do your best to respond.

Have you heard the famous adage, “It takes two to tango?”

It is also highly applicable to nurturing your relationships. Say your parents are trying to reach out to you, be willing to respond.

It does not have to be a lot. Spending a few minutes each day to have meaningful conversations with them can help strengthen your bond. Communication is key!

2. Tell your parents how much you appreciate them.

In his article on Psychology Today, Dr. Neil Farber noted that emotion plays an important role in the development and trajectory of parent-child relationships.

Appreciation is such a powerful emotion. So take the time to tell your parents how much you appreciate them.

If you are still working on expressing it verbally, Princess has a suggestion to help you start, “Maybe you can write something to your parents and tell them how much you appreciate them.”

3. Thank your parents for what they have done for you.

What are the things that you love about your parents? What are you grateful for?

Think of the things that make you thankful for your parents, then tell them. Your well-meaning words may come as a surprise at first, but they will never go unappreciated.

Sure, not everyone is good at expressing their feelings. But thanking your parents once in a while for what they have done for you would be a great practice.

4. Point out what you love and appreciate about your parents.

Your parents may already know that you love them, but wouldn’t it be nice if they hear it straight from you?

You may never know all the sacrifices and tough choices they had to make for your own good, but if you recall any, let them know that you see their efforts.

Princess recommends, “If you recall a tough decision that they had to make for you, it would be nice if you can point that out and thank them for it. And I am sure it will warm their hearts.”

5. Learn to let go and forgive.

Adulting is challenging, but parenting can be hard, too.

Every person who walks on this planet has his fair share of mistakes and shortcomings – and your parents are not exempted. Holding on to your parents’ mistakes would do you more harm than good.

“If in case you have resentments and you feel that your parents are not ready to talk about it, just let it be. Let’s forgive,” Princess said, assuring that you can always bring your pain to Jesus.

There is no such thing as a perfect family, but there is a perfect God.

Nurturing a harmonious relationship with your parents takes effort, mutual respect, and most importantly, unconditional love. Pray and believe that God can help your family be united in His perfect love.

Do you find these tips helpful in strengthening your relationship with your parents?

Let us know in the comment section below!

For more inspiring content, don’t miss the next webisode of Beyond Small Talk this Saturday, May 22, 2021, at 7:00 PM, on The 700 Club Asia Facebook page and YouTube Channel!  

Devotionals

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What It Takes To Believe in God

His love for you is endless. That’s the kind that never fades. He reminds us all of his love for us in Jeremiah 31:3you with unfailing kindness.

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The Fearless Life | God’s Word Today

His love for you is endless. That’s the kind that never fades. He reminds us all of his love for us in Jeremiah 31:3

img

What It Takes To Believe in God

His love for you is endless. That’s the kind that never fades. He reminds us all of his love for us in Jeremiah 31:3you with unfailing kindness.

img

The Fearless Life | God’s Word Today

His love for you is endless. That’s the kind that never fades. He reminds us all of his love for us in Jeremiah 31:3