As mothers we are biologically programmed to take care of the needs of everyone in the family. But we need to make space for taking good care of ourselves too. This starts with assuring our basic needs are met everyday.
Technology enables moms to multitask more easily but more is expected of modern parents. Even in households espousing gender equality, women tend to take on more of the childcare and household responsibilities, as well as the corresponding mental load. Dads can ease this burden by taking more initiative and following through.
Motherhood is often not what we understood or imagined it would be based upon our observations of our own mothers. While growing up, we often failed to see the behind the scenes work and effort that we now experience first hand.
Sometimes new or expectant mothers see media coverage of tragic loss in the postpartum and become concerned about “getting” postpartum depression. It’s important to talk to your providers and learn about local community resources for postpartum women.
College students arrived back home due to COVID-19. Many are finishing their spring semesters with no summer jobs or plans. Fall enrollment has not been announced by many universities. While learning can occur online, campus life helped many current professionals who have maintained employment during the pandemic to launch into adulthood.
COVID 19 has prompted rapid changes in the world of work. Working remotely became an immediate expectation. Some people are working harder than ever while others are facing layoffs, furloughs or pay reductions. Many are also finding that it is the simple comforts of home and family, not striving for more, that matters most.
Online learning is a new challenge for co-parents during the COVID 19 pandemic. Few co-parents have training or experience as a teacher. Co-parents can practice giving each other the benefit of the doubt when feeling frustrated about their child’s attendance at online classes or completion of assignments during the other parent’s assigned time.
Whether you are newly separated or further along the pathway towards divorce, COVID 19 social distancing and and stay at home measures can leave you feeling more alone. Changes in the court system may create uncertainty about how your divorce paperwork will proceed. A knowledgeable divorce coach can help.
An official Statement from the Maryland Judiciary on Matters Concerning Children and Families has now been issued to provide guidance to co-parents during the COVID 19 pandemic. This Statement explicitly says that existing orders relating to child custody, parenting time and child support remain fully in effect. Co-parents may only modify an existing Agreement or Order if the jointly agree that this is in the best interests of the children.
When “Stay at Home” was first recommended a few weeks ago, it seemed like this would last a matter of weeks. It now seems that this new way of life is here to stay for a while. Job loss, income reduction, remote work expectations and online learning demands fill our days. Online therapy can provide emotional support to get you through.
