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“Breathe, and give yourself credit - being a parent is a hard job in the best of times,” said Melody Gaboury, mom-of-two and owner of My Jasper Nanny.
With school cancelled, parents across the world are becoming full-time carers, tutors and entertainers for their little ones again.
Some parents may not have looked after their children full-time since they were babies, which may be overwhelming.
And while it may be a joy to spend so much time with your offspring, there will still be tough times - especially while we’re dealing with a global pandemic.
“Be patient with yourself and your children, self love and self care and of course reach out,” said Gaboury.
“We are physically distancing but luckily can still be socially connected.”
Gaboury said it’s important that families create a routine that works for them. She believes in keeping young minds stimulated and the power of the great outdoors.
Gaboury and her two children, Elijah, six, and two-year-old Quinn get outside every day to walk, go for a bike ride or play in the woods.
They have been spotting paintings in their neighbours’ windows and reading inspirational messages on sidewalks drawn there by other families, keeping connections alive in the community.
“I hope people feel it’s safe to go for a walk, go for a bike ride and get into nature,” said Gaboury.
“Seeing those things made me happy and hopefully we can continue to go outside because I think it’s so important.
“The sunshine and fresh air here really helps.”
When the Gaboury family is at home, the kids are usually painting, baking, writing in workbooks, using flashcards and watching educational videos and documentaries.
And Gaboury shares resources like free virtual tours of zoos and museums, language apps and kids’ activities on her My Jasper Nanny Facebook page.
She said she talked to her son about what is going on in the world and has encouraged him to talk about his feelings.
“I told them a really bad virus, like a bad cold, is going around and we don’t want to get it and we are social distancing,” she said.
“He did feel scared one day and I asked how he felt last night and he said angry. It’s ok to be angry.”
Because while the kids miss their friends and might be disappointed to no longer have the end of school or ski season events to look forward to, eventually things will go back to normal.
And until that time, we should feel connected without seeing people.
Parents needing support can contact Community Outreach Services, there is a Jasper Mamas group on Facebook, and Gaboury said she’s available if anybody wants to talk or has a question.
“You can’t look after anybody else if you don’t take care of yourself,” said Gaboury.
“Allow yourself to cry if you need to and do things that make you feel good.
“I really believe in breathing and making your body listen to what you need, eating healthy food and getting enough sleep.
“I think it’s important to see the joy and all the good rather than focus on the sad.”
