Welcome to the Ask Home Insemination Kit advice column, where our team offers guidance on life, relationships, wellness, parenting, and more. This week, we’re addressing a common concern among parents during these challenging times.
Do you feel like you’re always saying “no” to your kids, while it seems like everyone else is ignoring the pandemic? Are you tired of being the “bad guy”? You’re definitely not alone in this.
Dear Home Insemination Kit,
I feel like my family is the only one still taking COVID-19 seriously. My kids are struggling. Their friends are having sleepovers and hanging out inside without masks. I hate feeling like the villain because I’m consistently saying no. I used to feel supported by a strong parenting network, but that support has dwindled. It’s hard for me, but it’s even harder on my kids. Any advice?
First of all, know that you’re not alone in this situation. I completely understand what your family is experiencing. It can feel like a constant refrain of “no” — exhausting and frustrating.
Strategies to Cope
Here are a few strategies to cope with the ongoing refusals — aside from letting your child spend the night in a COVID-infested sleepover, of course.
- Instead of outright saying “no,” try using “not right now.” When we opted for full remote learning while their friends returned to in-person classes, we framed it as “not right now.” If numbers improve, you might feel more comfortable adjusting your rules. If cases spike, you’ll be the one leading the charge for safety.
- Remind yourself that you’re teaching your kids how to stand firm and not follow the crowd. Just as our parents used to ask, “If all your friends jumped off a bridge, would you?” we can ask our kids, “If all your friends were swimming in a sea of germs, would you?” It applies here too!
- Consider finding a new support system for now. You don’t need to cut ties with friends who have different views on COVID safety—unless, of course, they are extreme anti-maskers. Instead, seek out families who share your perspectives and limits.
- Lastly, say “yes” whenever possible. If your kids want to play video games for an extra hour, say yes! A second scoop of ice cream? Sure! A puppy? Maybe think that one over. The idea is to find moments where you can relax your rules a bit and say yes more often.
When all else fails, remember: FOMO is easier to handle with a bowl of ice cream! For more insights on this topic, you can check out this blog post on our site, as well as this excellent resource about pregnancy.
Summary
Navigating parenting during the pandemic can be challenging, especially when it feels like everyone else is ignoring safety measures. By reframing your responses, finding like-minded families, and saying “yes” when you can, you can help alleviate your children’s feelings of FOMO while maintaining safety.
Search Queries
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