If you have been near a TV during the news broadcasts these past few weeks, I am sure you are beginning to tense a bit when you hear the lead stories announcing the topic of Swine Flu. The beginning of the new school year is always a point of transition and heighten energy in household with students, but this year the energy is a bit higher with the possibility of a flu that is pandemic. I am suggesting we take a moment to look at our character strengths and think about how they can be applied in this situation.
If you are unfamiliar with the concept of character strengths, this moment is a great time to find out how to use your best, most comfortable self in challenges. Kids and other will want assurance and guidance, so lets do this right.
I wrote extensively on the topic in this 2008 post about finding your strengths. I talk about how parents need to know their strengths when they want parenting help. But in my practice I encourage all to go to the authentic happiness websiteand complete questionnaires that build your personal tool box of naming your character life skills. Knowing the name of our suggested strengths can put them into play when we reflect and live from the perspective that we can excel in handling situation. ( If this all seems a bit much to do at the moment, I suggest this alternative exercise, write down 3 things you think you do well in your role as a parent. Come back to the websites as time allows, but don't wait long.)
When we have a list of our strengths we can use with more ease and when a situation such as this pandemic can cause less than clear thinking, leading with our strengths becomes ever so important. The next step is to consider these questions, 'How am I thinking about H1N1? Do I have reliable information on the topic? Am I reacting in the best manner I can? Who are my reliable sources of information? Does my school have a prepared response plan?' Knowing reliable information calms many the busy mind. Here is the resource for the most researched medical information, the Center for Disease Control.
As a person who has always lived in an area with full four seasons, I know now is the time to prepare myself and my warm clothes for the winter. I know if my feet and fingers are warm and dry, winter will pass without much fuss. This doesn't mean that winter won't be cold or that I won't feel cold, but I will be just doing my best in it. If you prepare your family for instance your strength of humor to reinforce teaching good hand washing, nutrition, sleep schedules and hygiene skills, you will feel more at ease. If your strength is more along the lines of curiosity, use that strength to find a good plan of self care for your family and others in your life. Connect what you are good at with what needs to be done and the work is lighter by far.
And remember if someone gets sick with the flu they should not be too hard themselves. The flu is like the winter cold, it has it's effects even when we are well prepared. Getting prepared now is the best we can do!
And finally when you watch the news or even read things on the internet, ask yourself if the information is helping your plan or increasing your reactivity to the topic. If you are worrying too much you can't help kids. Reach out and take care of you!
Comments are welcomed here! Leave any positive plan tips you have found helpful.
