How to keep your family together during lockdown

The lockdown imposed by the UK Government to reduce the spread of COVID-19 has kept many families together in their homes, but being physically close doesn’t mean that your relationships remain strong.

With anxiety rising and tensions high, it’s understandable that many families are finding their relationships strained as a result of the current, scary situation.

Families fights are incredibly stressful, which is why I’ve put together a list of tips to help you keep your family together so that you come out of the lockdown with stronger bonds, not weaker ones.

Set New Rules And A Routine

The lockdown has upended almost every aspect of our lives, so it’s important that you create new rules for your children to follow. These rules can relate to everything from bedtimes through to how much time they’re allowed to spend on the internet. Make sure that the rules are adhered to; I understand that dealing with teenage rebellion and toddler tantrums can be tough even in normal times, but in the lockdown, these issues can be even more challenging. Try to commit to making sure that everyone sticks to the rules so that you can make lockdown life easy for the whole family.

Avoid Talking About The Virus Too Much

The pandemic might be governing most of your life, but that doesn’t mean that you should be discussing it constantly. Children of all ages will pick up on your anxieties, such as food security and money troubles, and will become frightened. As such, you need to limit the number of times you discuss the virus, even if you think you’re in private. Children hear more than you think, even at a young age, so you need to make sure that they don’t start to take on your worries. Speak to them about the changes that are going on, and make time to update them on major developments, but then move the conversation on to a different topic. Not only will this help your children, but also reduce your own anxiety.

Separate Your Working Life From Your Home Life

Most employees who are still able to work are doing so from home, which can make it difficult to separate your home and working lives. If you’re constantly ‘at work’ even when you’re with your family, then you will find it hard to concentrate on either activity and will irritate your family members. Try to completely separate your working time from your family time by creating a dedicated workspace in your home, which is shut off from the rest of the house. When you are in your workspace, then you are working, but once you leave and start spending time with your loved ones, you need to avoid working, checking your emails on your phone or taking work calls unless absolutely necessary.

Stay In Touch With Family That Aren’t Members Of Your Household

When you’re confined to your home and unable to visit your loved ones, it’s easy to forget to reach out to them. However, this will break down your family bonds and distress your children. As such, you need to find a video conferencing software that is easy to use and connect with as many family members as possible. It doesn’t just have to be conversations; you could try hosting a virtual game night or board game experience so that your family feels connected even when you’re apart.