COPING WITH COVID-19
THE FAMILY SITUATION
A family may be defined as a group of persons united by the ties of marriage,
blood or adoption, constituting a single household, interacting with each other in their respective social positions.
The church is made up of many different types of families: nuclear, single parent and extended. But, regardless of what type of family you belong to, you are a part of this church family. This being so, this pandemic of COVID-19, has had major effects on your family life and on you as an individual.
The current restrictions and closure of physical spaces for schools, workplaces, restaurants, places of entertainment and churches have created a new, and for many, a frightening environment for families. The home is now the physical place for all things … school is at home, work is at home, entertainment is at home, even church is at home via virtual spaces. This enforced closeness of family members and restrictions of movement and gathering has created a myriad of problems for many, as some are not happy with the company of other family members.
In September of 2020, a study, conducted by UNICEF in collaboration with the Caribbean Policy Research Institute, found that many negative effects were escalating from the changes due to the COVID pandemic.
It was found that:
- Approximately 80% of households had suffered a reduction of income , (on average 46%.(for lower income families)
- Most households coped by using savings or gifts by remittance from overseas.
- One out of every two households only have enough income to sustain them for 2-weeks or less.
- Just under 45% of households have had to reduce the number of meals served per day or serve smaller portions.
- More than 40 % of households experienced food shortages due to COVID restrictions, mostly households headed by single females.
- Approximately 75% of basic school children are suffering from remote teaching and 83% of high school children, usually due to lack of facilities, devices and/or internet services.
- Over 40% of respondents admitted that shouting, yelling or screaming by adults was more frequent.
- 15 % of children admitted to increased physical punishment.
- Separations and divorces have increased.
On reading this, we wonder, how is the family ever going to survive?
But, we can and we will survive if we make a conscious effort to follow the words of our Saviour Jesus and invite Him to lead our homes and families in this time of crisis. We, as Christians, must make a determined effort to use the enforced closeness for good. Plan activities such as:
- Bible word games
- Treasure hunts
- Show & Tell and many others to enjoy the company of each other
- Spend time to listen to each other’s hopes and dreams.
Often times we may find that we do not know each other as well as we thought. Share good & bad feelings and encourage each other with praise & constructive criticism, tell each other what you like the most about him or her, you may be surprised how good children can feel, when praised. Allow Jesus to guide your discussions in love and caring and not anger and hurt.
So, whatever it is that your family looks like, it can be one that makes God happy to be a part of – one that is loving, caring, supportive and happy. If we work at it and allow God to guide and be the centre, we will succeed.
By Karen Dallas: Karen Dallas has been Deputy Director of Family Life Ministries Department of the Andrews Memorial District of Churches for the last nine years. She is a Pharmacist by profession, the mother of three beautiful girls, and the wife of Elder Dallas the Director. Her family is her first love and her primary focus in life, next to the Lord.