As Milestones Counseling & Consulting Services enters its third full year, I wanted to take some time to share the vision for 2021. Ironically, 2020 was the “Year of Connection” for Milestones. No one knew, this time last year, that we would be challenged to connect at all. Safety became paramount as we collectively were faced with the COVID-19 pandemic leaving us questioning our health and health vulnerabilities all around us. We question a common cold or symptoms. In public, a slight cough or sneeze might get our attention, in a way it may not have before. We “masked up” and “socially distanced”. Not only did we experience limited interactions with friends and family members, we missed the familiar smiles of strangers. We missed Milestone moments! Social distancing led to social isolation for some and for others creative interactions via Zoom. The pandemic is not over, but we are headed into the year with hope, as vaccines are being distributed and we are in the middle of this “2nd wave”. Social Justice and political upheaval have added another layer.
We met the unexpected challenges of COVID-19, so far, as best as we could and will be learning to engage in a world that looks very different than it did in March of 2020. We will return to school, work places, social settings in some form this year. But, a lot has changed. We’ve changed as individuals and families since the start of the pandemic. There have been physical changes (Quarantine 15 and COVID curves). Being in quarantine has provided opportunities for reflection of our lives including who and what is important. We are all a little older. Our kids are older and development has continued in the pandemic. For some they’ve changed grades, others have changed schools all together (and have yet to set foot into their new school), while others have graduated from high school (and not been on a college campus at all). Some have moved. Relationships have changed. Parents have worked from home while supporting their children’s education. Businesses have closed including some of our go-to places for shopping or dining. The holidays continued in response to the pandemic. We’ve learned the precautions for entering retail establishments and all the goods that we received curb-side or through ordering online. We have engaged in parties online and online game parties.
Still we feel a certain degree of disconnection; and there is some value to disconnection. Reconnection is valuable and necessary and welcomed by many at this time. How will we approach this? For younger clients, under the age of 25, who have missed out on key life experiences they may be anxious about the unknown. Will I actually be on a college campus, having college experiences? Will I see my friends from high school again? What’s going to happen with Democracy? What will the world be like when the pandemic is “over”? How do we start ? Where do we start?
Expect that there will be some “new normals.” What are you expecting to be the same or different as we emerge from this pandemic? Here are a few things to Consider, Practice and Promote.
CONSIDER
Losses- Grieving of what used to be. Grief is a process and it will take some time to settle in. Feelings of anger, sadness, and confusion may present in response to this.
Adjustment time- this may vary depending upon your or your child’s unique circumstances around this time of separation.
For Children, there may be possible gaps in learning and in social development - you are not alone. Education isn’t one size fits all and the needs of every child were not met as schools pivoted to online learning. Schools will pivot again to assess the gaps and children will continue to learn.
Everything will not go back to the way it was. As hybrid models are being implemented in schools, students -- while together -- may still be apart some of the time. Distance and proximity to others may still be the norm.
Your expectations- reasonable expectations will help you to avoid feeling disappointed, frustrated or sad.
PRACTICE
- Patience with yourself and others
- Appreciation and gratitude
Remind yourself
We’ve all been in a pandemic! The entire world has been impacted by the pandemic. Avoid false narratives about how far your kids are behind that may cause you to panic about their futures.. They are lifelong learners. Everyone will be making adjustments and moving forward.
PROMOTE
Resilience- remind yourself and your children, family, and friends what you’ve accomplished during this time. Just getting through this counts!
If there was ever any doubt about the importance of human connection, I imagine those doubts have been removed. We need connection! At the end of the day, healthy human connection is essential.
If you need support navigating these challenging times, reach out to us at Milestones Counseling & Consulting Services. Call (443) 574-4295 to schedule an appointment today with one of our talented and compassionate counselors.