The long summer holiday is here again. Even though many children look forward to it, many parents may not be as excited due to challenges they commonly experience, such as finding reliable childcare for the younger children at an affordable cost, considering the current high cost of living, or keeping with the family’s yearly tradition of jetting off for summer holiday.
This situation would leave many families struggling this year and unable to send their children to other summer activities as some of the prices have also skyrocketed due to the high inflation.
The good news is that if you and your family are currently in this dilemma, you will be happy to know that you are not alone, as many families around the globe are also experiencing this situation. As a couple and parents who are committed, focused, and intentional, you can turn these into a life-changing experience for yourselves and your children this summer holiday.
COMMUNICATION IS KEY
These challenges and changes can have a significant impact on parental behaviour towards each other and their children, especially if they have not prepared in advance to face the situation together as a family.
One of the challenges many parents face, especially in our society, is the lack of effective communication between themselves and their children, which often makes the family setting a hard nut to crack. When the man is the king of his castle and he makes the ultimate decisions and only listens to his own voice alone, this period will only bring more hardship to his family if he is not ready to change himself.
A family is a team and communication is the most important in building love, trust, and equity, which creates a sense of belonging that starts with the power of communication. Planning ahead as a family and taking everyone’s suggestions is valuable so that no one feels undermined in the face of changing situations.
TRUST THE PROCESS
Most children are able to cope with changes if their trusted adults can show resilience. They also show a level of trust if they see that the changes are necessary for the good of all concerned and there would be a better outcome in the end.
Unfortunately, when children can sense fear and apprehension around their parents during challenging situations, they are more likely to become anxious about changes in their adult life. Life is a transition, whichever way it comes, and the family has to give up certain things, like taking summer vacation abroad if they cannot afford it this year due to the high cost of traveling. This is like teaching your children the importance of making reasonable adjustments in the face of hardship in life when they become adults.
FOCUS ON THE POSITIVES
There are so many positive lessons during the season of change that many couples and parents can take away and reflect upon to improve their understanding of life in general and strengthen their relationships with each other, their children, and loved ones. As adults who have the responsibility to shape the minds of their children, when you prepare them ahead and allow them to contribute to ways they can best navigate difficult situations, you are equipping them with the skills needed for resilience and perseverance in life.
