How the Pandemic changed the Family Dynamic

This pandemic either made you or broke you, which category do you fall under?

"They say for better or for worse, but they don't say 10 months of quarantine" -Unknown

When I heard this, at first I was like oh wow, but then began to process and understand that this pandemic showed a lot of people the meaning behind sacrifice!

Here is a list of some of the impacts families have gone though:

1. Parent's began to realize all caregivers truly do on a daily basis with their children.

2. If their child was exhibiting behavioral problems, or even behind in school, being at home made parents take a hard look in the mirror.

3. Self care routines changed drastically or ceased to exist at all!

4. No electronics rule went out the door shortly after stay at home & virtual learning came into place

5. Mental health cases in not only children but adults rose drastically the longer we where forced to stay home.

6. Domestic violence cases rose 20% as more couples were spending day and day out with each other.

7. Loss of family not just by death, but by physical connection. You weren't able to see family as much because of the possible risk. People who had families in other countries had to wait until it was cleared to travel leaving a strain on a lot of family relationships.

8. Loss of Livelihood is big because, this pandemic shut down a lot of businesses , laid off a lot of people ultimately putting a strain on families financial stability. We all know finances can truly turn any relationship upside down if you don't have an contingency plan in place.

9. Child Abuse sadly increased because parents or parental guardians were forced to tend to their child 24/7.

10. Separations/Divorce rose, not a lot of marriages were able to withstand this test of maintaining their marriage. Instead of taking this time of togetherness to enhance their marriages a lot fell into the category of resentment.

11. Loss of faith! Peoples faith are always tested when something like a pandemic happens or anything involving the loss of life. This is not where we question but when we pray and reflect and remember that talking about death is part of life!

"I didn't know my rainy day fund would turn into a rainy year fund"!-Unknown

It's hard to adjust to something that happens so fast without truly being prepared for the aftermath.

Parenting had to change, weekends started to flow into weekdays and parents had to learn a new way of balancing working from home, home demands, and child demands all at once. Which means for some balancing a budget started.

I hope this pandemic has taught you to always have a plan financially, physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually!