| This was one of those mornings. Despite the beautifully crisp autumn day, and the fact it's a Friday before a fun weekend, our son kept almost leaving, then not walking out the door – finding reasons to stay behind, or (sweetly) to just grab one more hug. He and his friends called from the bus stop, claiming the bus wasn't coming and suggesting I give them a ride. (It did, and I didn't.) I know he likes to get those rides in with his dad or me so he can have a few more minutes with us. The truth is, he's been clingier since the pandemic. Frankly, maybe I have, too. This piece by Michelle Hainer explores separation anxiety that is showing up in a lot of kids these days, and whether it's an anxiety disorder or, like so many things right now, pandemic related. A gem in this piece that really struck me: Arthur Lavin, a pediatrician, said that as kids reach preteen and adolescent years, they go through a balancing act of wanting to remain close to home and venture out on their own, which Lavin likens to a seesaw. "The pandemic was like a boulder on that seesaw," he says. "When you're stuck at home for a year, you don't get to play out these things." Yes, the pandemic has changed everything, and it's not like we parents have a rule book to follow now, being as this is new to everyone. So I'm going to try to take it as it comes, figure out what the needs of the moment are. And if a kid wants one more hug before running to the bus? You better believe I'm going for it. Don't forget to ask your questions in advance of Wednesday's Q&A with Meghan Leahy, parent coach and advice columnist. She'll be ready to take on all your questions, including those around kids and the holidays, which can be a delightful and tricky time! By Christina Barron, Kathie Meizner, Abby McGanney Nolan and Mary Quattlebaum ● Read more » | | | |
Parenting in a Pandemic These are challenging times for any parent to navigate. Let On Parenting help. Below you'll find a selection of expert advice and personal stories for all types of parents. To keep up with The Post's best advice for living through a lockdown, including recipes to make, shows to watch, the best socializing apps, resources for parents, guidance for managing anxiety and tips for canceled trips, bookmark Your Life at Home. And the latest on school reopenings can be found on The Post's Education page. For vaccinated parents with unvaccinated kids | Vaccinated adults may have more freedom. But for kids, 'the rules haven't changed.' For parents dealing with virtual school | Strategies to improve distance learning | Tips for creating a good learning environment at home | How parents can avoid anxiety around distance learning For parents dealing with in-person school | How to help children adjust to masks, according to experts and parents | As kids move from quarantine to school, separation anxiety may follow. Here's how to help. For parents working from home | 6 strategies for parents struggling with work-from-home interruptions For parents looking ahead to post-pandemic life | The pandemic changed everything about family
life. These are the parts parents want to keep. |
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