Note: This is the first in our series called the Family Five. Watch for five tips coming regularly from Amanda Robertson, Oakland Family Services Early Childhood Mental Health Specialist, that will help you with parenting during this pandemic!

With the global pandemic occurring, our every day life has changed in so many ways. Many of our jobs are being performed online, our children are learning from home, and our families are spending more time together than ever before. Trying to balance all life’s new roles within the confines of your home can prove challenging. Below are five parenting tips to assist with these unprecedented family challenges.

1. Establish structure versus a strict schedule: While we are challenged with balancing new roles, added responsibilities, and additional stress, it can be tempting to want to schedule every minute of our day. Structure and routine are important to give children a sense of normalcy, but resist the temptation to over-schedule. Too many expectations are going to cause added stress for you and your family. Find a flow that works for you and stick with it!

2. Remember flexibility is key: Be flexible with your day. Children have bad days just like adults do and sometimes sitting to complete that activity is a little more difficult than it was yesterday. Allow breaks and distractions. Sometimes the best way to be productive is to stop what you’re doing and come back to it later.

3. Create intentional moments: In the business and chaos of the day, find moments that your family can connect. Family meals, morning conversations, and walks outside allow moments to check in with your children. Planning these moments give children something to look forward to and provides an outlet for big feelings in little bodies.

4. Don’t forget the fun: It is easy to become overwhelmed with the news media, health guidelines, and feelings of uncertainty, but don’t allow it to be all consuming. Find time to do something fun! Complete a puzzle, FaceTime family, have a game night… embrace the extra time together!

5. Give grace: We have never experienced anything like this before and there is no manual. Try not to expect perfection from yourself or your family. Patience will wear thin and emotions will rise, but remember you are all getting through this together. Take it day by day and sometimes even minute by minute.

Hello! I am Amanda Robertson, and I am the Early Childhood Mental Health Specialist for Oakland Family Services’ Children’s Learning Centers. I have been working with children for almost 20 years and have one baby girl of my own. I have a master’s degree in counseling from Oakland University and a bachelor’s degree in psychology with an emphasis in child development. My career began with teaching day care and expanded to various positions including ABA therapy, child welfare and residential treatment. I absolutely love what I do and love being a part of Oakland Family Services!