Healthy Waterford Wellbeing Campaign - Families and Parenting

Una Conroy – Project Leader with Barnardos

Project Leader with Barnardos in Ballybeg, Waterford, Una Conroy chats about screen time for kids. She has some tips on how to make screen time more educational and says parents shouldn’t be so hard on themselves during these exceptional times.

Parenting Alone During Covid-19 – Heather Kiely, Sacred Heart Family Resource Centre

Here at Sacred Heart Family Resource Centre, we believe in the good enough parent. It’s impossible to be perfect and give our children what they need; sometimes they need to see that we too can make mistakes. We also know that at times there can be additional struggles and needs when parenting alone (especially now during Covid-19) and we are here to help. We provide a range of supports including parenting programmes, one to one family support and are trained in meitheals and non-violent resistance (child to parent violence).

“Don’t be concerned what other people think about your parenting style, you’re doing a good job. Remember parents, you just have to be good enough, you don’t have to be the best. You’ll never be perfect. You’ll have your weak moments, you’ll have your times when you’re brilliant and guess what, you’ll make a few parenting mistakes along the way. Welcome yourself to the human race.” Dr. David J Carey.

If you would like to get in touch for an initial chat please ring Mary on 0860233572 and follow us on Facebook – Sacred Heart Family Resource Centre.

Parenting at the best of times can prove challenging but given that we are also navigating the Covid-19 crisis, some parents are really feeling the strain. In particular, those who are parenting alone are under increasing pressure to support their child/children with little or no support of their own. Whether parenting one or more children on your own, the challenges can vary from meeting educational needs, allaying fears and anxiety, entertaining during lockdown and still maintaining respect and discipline in the home.

Some of the issues arising include a profound sense of isolation; physically, emotionally and mentally. One Family offer a telephone counselling service for parents who might need some expert support at this time

Support available: https://onefamily.ie/counselling/ or call 01 662 9212 to arrange an appointment

Parenting teenagers who are struggling with restrictions and unable to meet with friends (causing them to act out in the home or go out anyway) is proving difficult and some parents are worried that communication and trust has broken down. Tusla’s parenting 24/7 have 20 tips for encouraging good behaviour in teenagers that can help build good communication.

Support available: https://www.tusla.ie/parenting-24-seven/encouraging-good-behaviour-in-teenagers-20-tips/

Where there are court ordered access arrangements in place, parents are asked where possible to continue to comply. However, this may not be possible and creates further challenges for the children and the parents. Unfortunately, there are many families where both parents are not in agreement in relation to how to manage access arrangements during Covid-19 and this can further compound feelings of isolation or lack of support. Treoir is an online support for unmarried parents.

Support available: https://www.treoir.ie/

Some children have additional needs and prior to covid-19 may have had additional supports through school or medical professional. Parents who are now without those interventions are trying to take on all of their child’s (in some cases very complex) needs to the best of their ability but are naturally finding it extremely difficult.

Supports available: https://ncse.ie/online-resources Education
https://asiam.ie/asiam-and-covid19/ Autism
https://www2.hse.ie/wellbeing/supporting-someone-with-special-needs-during-covid19.html Disability

Support tips for managing challenging behaviour and coping during Covid-19

1. If a child is acting out or throwing a tantrum, the best thing to do is to pullback form the situation. A child cannot not take in information when they are in tantrum mode, so keep talking to a minimum. The goal is to get the child past this outburst, by reassuring them that it is ok to be angry but It’s not ok to lash out. By repeating to the child that you will speak with them when they calm down and that you are there for them, indicates that you still love them but not their behaviour. This repetition of a short sentence is more likely to get through to them than a lecture on what the child is doing wrong. If it is safe to do so, ignore the bad behaviour and praise the good.
2. An activity diary is a great idea so the child knows what to expect and on long they are allowed spend doing various activities: playing outside/ screen time. (www.mrsbrown.com Covid-19 Daily Schedule)
3. Try and spend some time outside every day. Have a picnic in the garden, play hopscotch/skipping/hide & seek, plant some flowers, start a nature diary. Start a memory box of this time in history. Paint some rocks & write positive messaged on them for each other. Make stress balls / calming jars to overcome anxiety or worry. Practice deep breathing exercises together with a teddy on your belly or by blowing bubbles. Practise some stretching or yoga for kids in the garden. Check out our Facebook page sacred heart family resource centre for how to posts on some of these activities.
4. Stay connected with friends & family through social media for support. Source online support for specific needs as highlighted above.

Most importantly remember, you are not alone, there are supports out there, you are doing your best in challenging times and you are a good enough parent.

Kerina Foran – Child and Family Support Network Coordinator with Tusla

Senior Child and Family Support Network (CFSN) Coordinator, in the Prevention, Partnership and Family Support (PPFS) in Tusla, Kerina Foran spoke to Damien on Déise Today about supporting families during these unpredictable times and encourages people to get in touch should they need to.

Listen to the full interview below.