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The pandemic of 2020 has led to many coping mechanisms to make life feel more bearable. Open your social media feeds and you’ll find jokes, memes, gripping headlines and of course everyone’s videos they made during lockdown.
The truth: with outbreaks still popping up across the world, there’s no telling whether we will ever return to some kind of normal. So, doesn’t that call for a long term coping mechanism as well? Shouldn’t we be helping each other – especially our children – prepare for months and possibly years of living a new-kind-of-normal?
No, we’re not talking about preparing for the end of the world. Rather, you should simply help your child identify the many ways the road ahead can still be as enjoyable and filled with purpose as before; in some cases even better.
Here are three golden rules that we all need for the future.
Admit that There’s Still a Lot You can Do
For the time being, normal hobbies may be suspended, but certain activities you haven’t tried may be an option, depending on the regulations in your country or state. Team sports with their friends may not take place, but what about hunting or fishing?
If it’s difficult to get them interested in new hobbies, get some momentum by investing in new gear. Or, shop for the perfect outfit they’ll love, such as outdoor gear you can even shop for online at kryptek.com.
It’s all about HOW you package the message that ‘life still goes on’.
Discover what Technology can Do for You
Your children may be more used to tech gadgets than you were at their age, but it doesn’t mean they’re using technology to its full potential. You may have something to teach them.
Chances are that for almost every stress factor caused by the pandemic, there’s technology that can alleviate the problem. If they take a break from playing games – which can also be a coping tool by the way – help them identify their needs AND the solutions.
For example, connect with friends and family online if you feel isolated because you can’t visit each other. Once again, think of the ‘how’ of the activity. Ask everyone to get their favorite drink or meal to enjoy during the video call and it will feel less clinical.
Understand the Difference Between Rights and Privileges
A key to flourish – instead of just cope – in the new normal is to have the right mindset about your circumstances. A good starting point is to be thankful for what you have, even if it’s not the same as before.
Teach your children that even though they live in privileged communities, they can’t expect everything as their ‘rights’. Certain aspects of life are still privileges to have:
- Traveling effortlessly wherever and whenever you want
- Having access to products and services with a click of a button such as online shopping
- A good education
Across the globe there are people who are content with much less, so it’s possible they can be too.
Once the younger generation expects less, they will experience fewer disappointments when the pandemic affects certain areas of their lives. This may help them have a more positive outlook on their lives in general.
Who knew that Oprah’s ‘gratitude journals’ could be so important? The experts say they can even help someone become more successful, which is what we all want for our children, right?
Do you have any other tips on helping us guide the young generation in this unique time?
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This content is brought to you by Wahab Ullah.
Photo: Shutterstock