As the pandemic continues to permeate the world, family life continues to change rapidly. On Thursday, July 22, 2020, the People and Culture team engaged staff ladies virtually to discuss how to cope with remote working challenges.  To further expound on ways women can better their family experience during Covid-19 was Catherine Nyiha (An Advocate of the High Court). In addition, the ladies were honored to hear some words of wisdom from Mrs. Bernadette Musundi, Strathmore University Council Chairperson.

Some of the coping ideas shared by Catherine include

1. Write down a schedule. Sit down with a paper and pen and figure out when to schedule what. For example, write out times for working hours, family meals, and family time. It is challenging at the beginning so think of it as a companion that helps your family get its act together!
2. Filter the unnecessary. If you are having trouble juggling things because everyone has all sorts of activities, you should seriously consider cutting some of them out. Instead build on those that call for teamwork: for example, cooking, cleaning and taking walks.
3. “Peeping lady”. Do not try to keep to someone else’s routine. What works for the other families may not work for your family.  However, you can talk to other parents to get a general idea of how they are doing it, and use any workable ideas you gain. The idea is to get more time for interacting with your own family.
4. What is really important? If you have a case of household chaos, think where you are having the most trouble. If your household chaos is about noise, try to figure out how you can reduce the noise level. For example, you might try instituting some ‘no gadget’ hours and use those times for family discussion or games.
5. Delegate responsibility. Give each family member a list of chores. It is so much easier to get things done when you have the joy of seeing each task in print. It is so satisfying to cross things off a list. Not only that, but every chore successfully completed makes your home that much more pleasant a place to live in.
6. Be Consistent With Your Discipline. The goal of discipline is to help children choose acceptable behaviors and learn self-control. They may test the limits you establish for them, but they need those limits to grow into responsible adults. Establishing house rules helps kids understand your expectations and develop self-control. Being consistent teaches what you expect.
7. Be flexible in parenting Style. As your child grows, you will gradually have to change your parenting style. For example, teens tend to look less to their parents and more to their peers for role models. Continue to provide guidance, encouragement, and appropriate discipline while allowing your teen to earn more independence. And seize every available moment to make a connection!

Whether single, married or a mother, remember what Mrs. Musundi shared and begin by setting out a mission for yourself or your family, setting ground rules for yourself or with your loved ones. If one of the family members is not fitting in, follow through quietly and find out what is going on. While we wait for the pandemic to ease; what will you do today, to lessen the chaos in your life?

 

This article was written by Annete Karanja.

 

Would you like to share your experience of living through the circumstances brought by the Covid-19 pandemic? Kindly email: communications@strathmore.edu