Working Through It Together: Relieving Household Tension in the Age of Covid

Guest Article Written by Dean Burgess

No matter where you live, it’s safe to say that you’re probably spending quite a bit of time at home. Maybe your family doesn’t have the social lives you once did, your child is anxious about school, the grandparents can’t babysit, or you simply have no time to yourself as a parent — or perhaps all of these statements are true.

All of these issues can lead to heightened tension and stress in even the most loving households. To keep your family healthy in these uncertain times, it’s critical to do what you can to alleviate some of the pressure brought on by self-isolation. To help, here are some practical solutions to everyday household tensions: 

1. Eliminate Obstacles

Working from home and managing the household has left most of us frazzled. And with no end in sight, it’s easy to get bogged down in details that inflame our stress levels, which contributes to tension. Take stock of what’s proving difficult, and see what you can do to eliminate these issues and clear the negativity. Do you have trouble keeping up with housework? Talk to your family about splitting chores, or hire a cleaning service. Are your children constantly interrupting you during work calls? Then implement a boundary system. Are the legalities of starting a business weighing on you? Use this guide from ZenBusiness on creating an LLC to help walk you through the process. By finding opportunities to remove difficulties, you open the door to less friction.  

2. Turn to Video Games

You read that right! One of the most common causes of tension in the household is boredom. That’s where video games come in. While you don’t want yourself or your child to become addicted to any form of technology, limited screen time for video games can help to ease stress and add enjoyment to the day. If you don’t have any, look for family-friendly multiplayer games to add a level of excitement.  

3. Supplement Your Child’s Education

Your child’s schooling likely looks a lot different than it did pre-COVID. If your child struggled with remote learning last year, you may need to supplement their education. Now that school is in session, start by going through their lesson plans and clarifying any confusion with content or assignments. Then, browse the web for additional resources (e.g., YouTube tutorials, educational websites, lesson plans from other local schools, etc.) that can help your child stay in a routine of learning each day. 

4. Work on a Sleep Routine  

As an adult, sleep deprivation can significantly raise your stress levels, among many other consequences. The consequences can be even more severe for children. If your child isn’t getting proper rest at night, address this issue now to prevent further tension. Start with figuring out a bedtime ritual and ensuring they don’t sleep with too many items on the bed (e.g., books, stuffed animals, devices, etc.).

5. Keep Healthy Foods Around

Poor eating habits can quickly lead to increased tension in the household. And when you’re spending so much time at home, it’s easy to get slack on your diet. Stock your pantry and fridge with nutritious foods to provide healthy options when your family members are looking for a meal or a snack.

6. Move Your Bodies

Breaking a sweat is another way to relieve stress and tension, and at-home exercise is more accessible than ever. Look online for videos, live-streamed classes, and workout plans that you can do without leaving the driveway. You’ll find a wealth of free and inexpensive resources that appeal to kids and adults alike — even activities you can do together!

Take a Step Back

Finally, your child may not be as unhappy as you think. In fact, more time at home has allowed many kids to spend more time in imaginative play. Regularly communicate with your child to get an idea of what they are feeling, but also take a step back to watch them play and use their imagination. And even when they practice bad behavior, don’t assume it’s a sign that you’re doing something wrong. Remember that they’re a child, after all 

If your family is dealing with tension while self-isolating, you’re not the only one. Address any tension-related issues by trying the tips above, and keep looking for other methods of maintaining peace in the home. After this pandemic is over, your family will be all the stronger for it.