I have been thinking a lot recently. What happened to Mrs X can happen to anyone. It could have been me or anybody. It’s so pathetic to know that even in our homes, where we are supposed to have our solitude and serenity, it’s no longer as safe as it should be.
There’s an ibo adage that says, ‘Okwa onye ma mmadu na egbu mmadu’
Translation- ‘It’s the person that knows you that will kill you’
May God see us all through these perilous times and beyond.
Here are some ways you that you may want to use this opportunity to create a stronger bond with your family.
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Online Learning With Mum Or Dad As The Home Tutor
I don’t look forward to this, but it’s really worth it. You know the saying, ‘Catch them young’, will actually come in handy with our kids in these unprecedented times- Pun intended. Staying with kids indoors for this length of time comes with its ups and downs, but together, we can actually make staying at home fun and engaging all at the same time. This opportunity actually helps you to understand the intellectual and skill based part of your child which you may not have noticed before, due to your tight schedule and being unable to be more involved in their academics before now.
Overlook The Overlookables(Minor Details)
Yes I said it. Nobody is perfect, so if you end up raising an eyebrow over everything that your kids or spouse say or do, then you’re in for a shocker because you’ll see Loads of faults. Are you looking to be the first runner up for ‘THE WORLD’S BEST NAG?’ I don’t think so.
You may ask, ‘What now?’
My advice would be, ‘Let it go, take a deep breath and look past it, especially if it’s a minor habit. Then afterwards on a lighter note, just address the situation mildly.’
After all, everyone (including you and I) has that one habit that our loved ones can’t help but overlook too.
Routine
Someone may wonder how this creates a bond among family members. It does for me and here’s how;
As an educator, I work from home but still find a way to strike a balance between scheduling time for work and devoting time to family. Of course it’s hard to stick to the previous routine or even my daily goals amidst all the interactions which will definitely come, but the structure and efforts make all the difference. I’m trying not to be a workaholic, while making out time for the kids and myself. You may even decide to create new routines and rituals too because change is dynamic.
Pray And Dine As A Family
If this doesn’t secure the family bond, then I don’t know what will. A family that prays together, stays together. Trust me on this. Also, cooking and sharing family meals are important for that strong family bond. Achieving this together for all the major meals of the day may not be feasible, but once is not a bad idea at all.
Assign Responsibilities
Doing chores together actually helps to strengthen family bond. And there are always lots of chores to go round. For instance, my 7 year old does the dishes, while her 5 year old younger sister rinses them out. Guess who mops up the kitchen floor which is completely water splashed from all that washing? My soon to be 3 year old and yeah, life is good and so are we. Don’t ask me how good though, I’m sure you can imagine the scenario, but it is what it is and everyone’s happy. Goal achieved!
Fun Time With Family
Do whatever is your own family’s definition of fun. From board games to indoor picnics, to movie time, family walk, just anything. Suffice it to say that it is absolutely necessary to set technology boundaries as this has become the lifeline in so many homes, including mine sometimes. *Covers eyes*
I’ve heard someone say to me before, ‘These kids are little terrorists so let them just have their way. At least everywhere is calm when they watch TV or play on their tablets.’
Ok, did I hear you say ‘Good riddance’?
If you know the impact this has on kids, then maybe you won’t be so relieved after all.
I may not be perfect but I definitely know the side effects of not devoting quality time to kids. Don’t be like Mrs. X. Help will be given to those who seek it.
XOXO,
Yours’ Truly
Nikimandi.
Nikimandi
