Sibling Rivalry in These Troubled Times

In these coronavirus covid-19 lockdown days, many parents and children are struggling.  Nobody knows when the schools will reopen, or whether parents should send their children back to school.  Not being able to go outside or interact with their friends is creating stress for children and families.  Conflicts between children are occurring more frequently as everyone is on edge.  And outside of the watchful gaze of teachers and educators, some children are more at risk of violence or abuse.  

 

According to this article from the New York Times, in the past, families that had several children who were close in age had a higher infant mortality rate than other families.  I wonder whether this is still true today in cultures and/or countries that have unusually large families.  

 

Sibling rivalry is something those of us who have siblings have all probably experienced.  Again, I wonder whether rivalry in families and in societies, such as China, where single children are the norm, is expressed outside the home.  

Sibling rivalry can help children to learn to navigate relationships.  It can also have the opposite effect, and can be vicious.  

 

Nonviolent Communication (NVC) can be an effective way to address and resolve conflict between and among siblings.  Marshall Rosenberg, the founder of Nonviolent Communication, has witnessed children as young as four using NVC effectively.  NVC is based on empathy, which is defined within NVC as honouring feelings and needs - both ours and other people's.  

 

For more about NVC, go here for six short films with Marshall Rosenberg, in which he explains the basics of NVC.  

 

For more about how to use NVC with children, go here for my ebook, Affirmations for Parents.  

 

What are your methods of resolving conflicts between siblings and/or other children?  Please comment below and please share this post with your networks.  Thanks.  

Dealing with Lockdown Loneliness

Loneliness courtesy of NYT

Many of us are having to cope with loneliness during the  coronavirus lockdown.  Not being able to meet up with friends, family members or loved ones can be challenging.  It can be even more difficult for those who are self-isolating.  Some suggestions for dealing with loneliness include: 

•  Embrace the technology!  Stay in touch using video technology, such as Skype or Zoom;  

  
  

  • Plan your day and stick to a schedule;  
   
  • Stay active.  Even a short walk every day can help; 
   
  • Read online articles (like this one) for fun and to increase your knowledge base; 
   
  • Join a Meetup film group or Facebook watch party to view films online with others;
    
   
• Avoid watching too many news programmes about Covid-19, as too much information can be confusing and increase our stress levels.
  

Below, I have listed some resources that can help us to cope with loneliness and isolation.  

 

Personally, I find that helping others is the best way to feel connected - and useful.  That's why I have posted these coronavirus resources.   

 

 What to Do If You Feel Lonely during the Coronavirus Outbreak (advice from the NHS) 

How Singles Can Fight Loneliness during Social Isolation  

How to Cope with Loneliness during the Coronavirus Pandemic 

 

Loneliness during Coronavirus;  

 

Reducing Loneliness among Migrant and Ethnic Minority People; 

Get Support from a Mental Health Charity (advice from the NHS); 

 

Find a local NHS urgent mental health helpline (England only).  

Please share this with your networks and please comment below.  Thanks.  

50 Coronavirus Jokes That Should Help You Get Through Quarantine

Apparently, laghter may really be the best medicine.  According to the Mayo Clinic, laughter stimulates the body's organs by increasing oxygen intake to the heart, lungs and muscles, and triggers the release of endorphins.  It also helps people handle stress. 

Once again, these jokes should bring a smile to your face during this horrible coronavirus outbreak and lockdown.  

They include a BRILLIANT  Where's Waldo - Coronavirus Edition, and much more.  

See also:   Coronavirus Lockdown Humour.   

And if you are having toilet paper issues, check this out.   

If you would like holistic healing of the body, mind and emotions, go here to download my Violet Flame Healing process.  

Stay safe.  Stay well.

See also:  How to Look After Our Mental Health during the Coronavirus Crisis.  

Please comment below and please share.  Thanks.

A Breath of Fresh Air - Is the Pandemic a Miracle?

Derek Rydall

Personally, I believe in miracles, but I don't believe this is one.

As a direct result of covid-19, the global pandemic, people are suffering.  People are dying.  People are losing their loved ones.  Healthcare workers are scared to go to work.  Some of us are struggling to get hold of the basic things we need.  And the economic consequences are yet to be seen.

Having said all that, there are some positive aspects as well.

The global lockdown in the wake of the covid-19 pandemic is having many positive, beneficial consequences.  Street crime, burglary and other crimes are down (although cyber crime and internet fraud are on the increase).  The air quality has improved, and the impact on the environment means that fewer are animals dying.  Go here for an article by Derek Rydall about the positive aspects of the coronavirus.  It's useful to have a fresh perspective. 

In the midst of all the disruption, confusion, fear, anxiety and despair, we need to smile and laugh more than ever. Go here for 17 of the funniest coronavirus tweets. 

 

17 of the Funniest Coronavirus Tweets to Take the Sting out of Lockdown

If you are like me, stuck indoors, unable to go out to the cinema, or to a cafe, or to meet friends, and wondering how much longer what's left of your sanity will stay with you - you need a laugh.  

Some of these are truly original and truly funny.

17 of the Funniest Coronavirus Tweets to Take the Sting out of Lockdown.  

I am continuing to post content about health and healing, and bolstering your immune system, as well as stuff to make you smile.  For more great content, go here to join my online group, The Key to Everything. 

See also:  How to Look After Our Mental Health during the Coronavirus Crisis.  

Stay safe.  Stay well.