lemonade

 “Our days typically started around 6 a.m. with a morning routine that included small talk and a warm breakfast at home before heading off to school, work, and conducting business as usual.” Many individuals have had to adjust (abruptly) to significant changes in the way that their family dynamic operates. Having structured routines can provide family members with fundamental security and confidence needed to function throughout life. In addition to or aside from (depending on your perspective) established routines, is the importance of flexibility. With a plethora of family dynamics to address, I thought that it may be helpful to share some of the ways dynamic families are coping during this time.

First things first, take care of yourself, processing the direct and indirect impact that your family is experiencing is imperative. Listen and attend to your body, take time to adjust and focus on your physical and mental wellness. Physical activity such as spontaneous dance breaks, neighborhood walks, or outdoor exercise can be useful for every member of the home. Families with school-age children, try individualizing your learning experience, get to know what works best for your learner at home. Combine work and play when at all possible, the possibilities are virtually endless, pun intended. Discover or nurture new interest and/or talents, personally I am learning to play the acoustic guitar. This may be unpopular but TALK to your loved ones and share your feelings with one another, it can provide emotional relief.

Family dynamics can be described in many ways, such a single parent homes, 3 generation households, single individuals, and/or roommate situations to name a few. I don’t want to seemingly minimize or oversimplify things, but in a nutshell…embrace change and do something different. There is more than one way to make delicious lemonade: fresh lemons, sugar, water, simple syrup, agave, honey, seltzer water, mint, strawberries…you get the idea. A great number of us have had to adapt and do things differently by developing new recipes for living, working, and learning. We’re in this together and no matter your family dynamic, stay safe and stay healthy.