Stop everything for a moment. Seriously, set aside the laundry, let your kid watch a show, and focus on this vital message. I’m about to share an Instagram post that could change the way you navigate parenting during this wild time.
If your experience in quarantine has been anything like mine, you’re likely feeling overwhelmed by the challenges of homeschooling, struggling with the emotional rollercoaster of parenthood, and tripping over toys scattered across the floor. You might be questioning how long this pandemic will last. Trust me, I understand; it’s incredibly tough. But here’s the good news: there’s a plan that could make this easier for us.
Empowering Insights from Lila Thompson
In a captivating social media post, author Lila Thompson reflects on a conversation she had with a stressed-out mom friend. With her toddler screaming in the background, this mom expressed her guilt about allowing her child too much screen time. Lila, with her trademark honesty, interrupted her friend and shared some empowering advice that we all need to hear right now: “Screen time during a pandemic? That’s for ALL THE TIMES. ALL.”
Finally, someone acknowledges the pressure we feel, and it’s a relief to hear that we’re not ruining our kids by letting them binge-watch shows like Daniel Tiger. As moms, we can be our own worst critics, and it’s time to change that narrative. Lila’s approach is refreshingly straightforward: “This self-shaming during a global crisis has to stop.”
A Teacher’s Perspective
Having previously worked as a teacher, Lila understands the complexities of childhood learning. She recalls how, as a teacher, she asked parents to share what their kids learned in class, only to find that their children remembered the last activity of the day, often forgetting everything else. “Finish strong, and that’s what matters,” she says.
Her perspective shifted after welcoming her third child. Initially fixated on strict screen time limits and ensuring her kids were meeting all developmental milestones, she soon realized that a more relaxed approach didn’t negatively impact her children. They thrived regardless of how many episodes of Gravity Falls they watched.
The ‘Corona Plan’
Perhaps we can all take a moment to absorb Lila’s wisdom and give ourselves permission to chill out. She suggests a simple routine: after breakfast, read a book together, then let them enjoy a long TV session. Before dinner, engage in something light and fun—not the Pinterest-perfect kind, just something enjoyable like a game. “That’s the ‘Corona Plan,’” she declares.
For older kids, Lila humorously advises just muting the TV and turning on captions as a way to sneak in some reading practice. If they want a drink, encourage them to grab it themselves. Ask them how many episodes of The Mandalorian they watched, and voilà, you’ve just completed a math problem!
And if they complain about watching too much TV? Lila’s advice is to look them straight in the eye and say, “You got this. You can handle hard things. Get back in front of that screen, champ.”
Resources for Parents
For any hesitant parents, Lila includes an article from The New York Times by Oxford professors titled “Don’t Freak Out About Quarantine Screen Time,” which serves as a reminder that it’s okay to relax.
Ultimately, Lila emphasizes that fostering a shame-free environment is vital for our kids. Now is the time to take it easy on ourselves. We’re all navigating something incredibly challenging, and what our children need most is to feel safe and loved. With many parents juggling work and constant caregiving, guilt has no place in this equation.
Let’s embrace Lila Thompson’s perspective and ease the burden we’re placing on ourselves during this unusual chapter of life. Our kids will appreciate it, I promise you.
Additional Resources
And on a different note, if you’re interested in family planning, check out this informative resource on pregnancy and home insemination from Hopkins Medicine. You can also explore Cryobaby Home Intracervical Insemination Kit for more options.
For more insights on parenting and home life, visit Home Insemination Kit.
Summary
Amidst the chaos of parenting during the pandemic, Lila Thompson’s insights offer a refreshing perspective on screen time and self-compassion. By embracing a more relaxed approach to parenting and focusing on simple, enjoyable activities, parents can alleviate some of the pressure they feel.
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