This archive report was first published on 18 May 2020.
As we navigate the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, it's essential to remember that relationships are everything. We were created as social beings who thrive in the company of others, and the current situation is putting our relationships to the test.
Research has shown that there has been an increase in domestic violence cases since the government closed schools and introduced the 7pm-to-5am curfew. This is a worrying trend, as it points to intolerance among couples and a lack of understanding of how to manage stressful situations.
Home is where one expects to find peace, love, and acceptance, but many homes have become spaces of abuse, neglect, and fights. This is a clear indication that we need to re-evaluate our approach to relationships and learn how to manage conflicts in a healthy and constructive way.
It's essential to recognize that the way we behave when faced with crisis depends on how we're wired and influenced by the past. Most people's response to crisis is influenced by how they were raised, who they associated with, and the environment they were exposed to.
Embracing a value-driven life will go a long way in helping us manage our responses to the difficulties we face today. It's time to develop values such as self-control, patience, honesty, and trustworthiness to build a positive environment that counters the negative effects of the pandemic.
As parents, it's crucial to take an enhanced interest in the lives of our children during this period. We cannot underestimate the fear many children and youth are facing, and it's essential to model a positive response to crisis. Responding to a crisis with anger and complaining will only make it more difficult for our children to cope.
By answering our children's questions, taking their fears seriously, and reassuring them, we can help them be better prepared to face life after Covid-19 with courage and hope. Our challenge as parents will be to avoid placing in the hands of teachers children who are still afraid and anxious of the new way of living they will be facing.
Preparing our families for a post-Covid-19 way of living requires an intentional approach to parenting. Husbands and wives must prioritize their relationship, and families must develop a positive environment where fears and opinions are shared freely without intimidation or desire to control.
