Defence Team Parenting Series: Parenting during COVID-19

June 19, 2020 – Defence Stories

This is the first article in a series for all Defence Team members to provide tips and continued support on parenting during COVID-19. Hang in there – you got this!

The COVID-19 pandemic has increased stress levels for many people, and staying positive while maintaining productivity and fulfilling various responsibilities has proven to be a challenge. Parents, specifically, have been facing unique challenges, and the time they have been spending at home in close quarters with their kids will not soon be forgotten.

By now, parents have settled into the routine of juggling full-time work at home with homeschooling and caring for children. Undoubtedly, this routine is stressful, demanding and exhausting. Teaching, answering the thousand daily requests for snacks, and having the kiddos unexpectedly join the Zoom work calls have surely been “highlights” for many parents.

The Public Health Agency of Canada’s web page on Parenting during COVID-19 highlights three main tips to help you cope during these times:

• Support and engage with your children: Try your best to help your children adapt to this situation. Allow them to remain connected with friends virtually, help them stick to a daily routine, and use this extra time at home to engage with them as much as you can.
• Be kind, calm and patient with your children’s behaviours: It is important to keep in mind that this is hard on everyone, including your children. As frustrating as the situation may be, try your best to stay calm and listen to your child’s concerns. This will make it easier for everyone involved.
• Take care of yourself: Remind yourself that you also need to focus on yourself during these times, as difficult as it may be. Set aside time for self-care, whether that means going for a walk, having a relaxing evening, practicing mindfulness, or doing something fun like connecting virtually with friends.

The Nobody’s Perfect Parenting Tips from the Public Health Agency of Canada is full of advice for parents related to their children’s behaviours, bodies, and minds. You will find ideas for fun and easy activities, guidelines, tools and more. There are also tips on how to care for yourself and ensure that you are taken care of, which is especially important during this current environment. 

Related Links:

Civilian Employees

Civilian employees can access the following resources if they are struggling as a parent or for any other reason during the COVID-19 pandemic:

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

  EAP provides short-term professional and confidential counselling services.
  Phone: 1-800-268-7708 (available 24/7)
  TTY - Hearing Impaired Line: 1-800-567-5803 (available 24/7)

• Talk to an EAP Referral Agent

  Referral agents are trained individuals who offer peer support in times of need.
  Phone: Contact HR Connect at 1-833-RHR-MDND (1-833-747-6363) to be connected with a readily available agent from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Monday to Friday
  Email: Contact the EAP Corporate Office

Defence Team Members

• LifeSpeak

Defence Team members can access LifeSpeak, a digital platform with a library of health and wellness resources. The LifeSpeak app can also be downloaded for on-the-go access (Google Play and Apple App Store).

• Defence Team COVID-19 Health and Wellness Page Resources

  Defence Team members have access to a variety of resources to help them cope during the COVID-19 pandemic.

CAF Members

There are a range of resources available to CAF members struggling as a parent during the COVID-19 pandemic:

• Canadian Forces Member Assistance Program (CFMAP)

The CFMAP offers confidential, voluntary, short term counselling to help CAF members resolve many of today's stresses at home and in the work place.
Phone: 1-800-268-7708 (available 24/7)
TTY – Hearing Impaired Line: 1-800-567-5803 (available 24/7)

• The Family Information Line (FIL)

  The FIL is a toll-free, bilingual telephone service for families of Canadian military personnel intended to provide timely and accurate information as well as reassurance, support and referrals to resources as needed. FIL counsellors are available to handle calls in confidence 24 hours a day, seven days a week. To speak with a FIL counsellor, call 1-800-866-4546 (toll-free in North America) or 1-613-995-5234 (collect calls accepted).

• Military Family Resource Centres (MFRCs)

  MFRCs provide information on subjects of interest to military families, including mental health. They can also provide psychological support through counselling and refer you to complementary programs in the larger local community.

• Crisis Texting Service for Kids of CAF Families

  Children, youth and young adults from military families can access free mental health and wellbeing support by texting the keyword CAFKIDS at 686868 for service in English. For service in French, text the keyword JEUNESFAC at 686868.

Finally, remember to be patient with yourself. This has been a new obstacle for us all, and we are slowly but surely adapting to this new way of life. We are in this together.