Achieving success in so much we do, or expectations of our children to be achieving is usually pretty high on our list of expectations.

Striving for that end of year trophy, bettering their own personal best, being “out there” amongst it all.  Achieving.  Being part of a team or achieving as a solo act.

Now, everything is different.  Now, these activities have been put on ‘pause’.  Children have been side-lined.  Some will be OK with this.  And then there will be some that are finding it very difficult to stop.  The physical activity is running, jumping, shooting hoops, kicking goals, WINNING.  The essence of all this, is that the validation it gives.  That you matter when you win.

How Can They ‘Just Be?’

There is a lot of emphasis on this – so how will it be to ‘just be’?

Not many of us have ever experienced such a world-wide instruction.  To stay at home.  To isolate.  Home Isolation. To not be part of a group that shares in celebration, sport or event.

Perhaps this is a learning opportunity. Kids can learn from this experience to stop and appreciate the air we breathe.  Live in the present moment of mindfulness.  It’s not necessarily what we do with our time but what we do with our ‘thoughts’ that matters just as much.

Now What?

The overthinking.  The self-doubt.  “Now what do I do?”  Take the time to be more patient.  We are all a wave in the ocean and we are all experiencing change and disruption in some way.

It can be easy to go down the path of negativity.  Very, very limited people contact and our problems before seem more trivial. Or not?  Either way, it is how we respond now.  The energy of everyone could work in a mass cup-is-half-full or cup-is-half-empty.  Or we get rid of that cup and take it one day at a time.  And ensure our children are in good mental spirits about this isolation time.

Certificates and prizes are important but for now, it is about emotional well-being and validation of being safe and healthy.

How are your kids coping with home isolation and the cancellation of all their activities? Tell us in the comments below.