Have you been injured, and it’s the kind of injury that means you can’t really go anywhere or do anything for the next few weeks? That’ll always be a spot of trouble to deal with, but when you’re a parent, the pressure will pile on while you’re out of commission.
Indeed, when a parent has to go through a recovery period, life can feel pretty off kilter for everyone. Both you and your kids can reel from the way life has suddenly changed, and even having the foresight to know things will be ‘back to normal’ one day doesn’t quite change things right now.
At times like this, you need some tips and tricks on your side for minimising disruption to your family life. Whether you’re a single parent or you’re lucky enough to have some extra pairs of hands living with you, when you’re out of action, the whole household can feel the effects!
So let’s make sure you get the time you need to recover, as well as the satisfaction of knowing your family is all well and good.
Spot the Signs of Bottled Emotions Early
When someone bottles up their emotions, they’re going to come spilling out at one point or another.
During a time when a parent is not as active, or even available, as they used to be, your kids may find it hard to talk about how that makes them feel. This can lead to them keeping it all inside, and when they finally get frustrated enough, it comes out in the form of a tantrum, or even in the form of fighting with their siblings. Adults, on the other hand, may be less patient than usual, or feel it’s easier to become frustrated. This can lead to more raised voices or being ‘snappy’ towards your loved ones.
You can spot bottling from a mile away when you know the signs. When you do, sit everyone down and let them know it’s OK to let things out right now. Create a safe space to talk as often as you need to, especially if you’re the one who needs to vent.
Maintain Your Income with a Lawyer’s Help
If you won’t be able to work for a while yet, and you’re not sure when you’ll really be able to get back on your feet, you may be feeling a lot of anxiety over being able to pay your bills.
After all, you may be on sick pay, but you’ll only get a portion of what you usually earn. You may also not have access to this pay for as long as you need it, and that can make you more likely to reinjure yourself after a rushed recovery.
But a lawyer can help you to maintain your income with a compensation payout. If you can prove that you were injured as a result of another party, you may be granted a lump sum that will make your savings account all the stronger.
Make sure you contact a lawyer that specializes in the incident you were involved in, such as an uber accident lawyer if you were injured in a car crash while taking an uber trip. When the lawyer knows the ins and outs of the legal specifics, and has experience in successful cases in the past, you’re more likely to have a win in your own case.
Include Your Child in the Recovery Process
If your kids don’t quite know what’s going on right now, they may feel isolated. That can make them act out in an attempt to get some attention, especially if they feel it was suddenly removed.
That’s why including your child in the recovery process is best. Let them know what’s happened and why, and make time to properly explain these things to them. You can then explain that you’re going to need time to recover, and if they’d like to, they can help with activities like fetching things for you.
Recovery Periods are Hard for Parents
If you’re a parent with an injury, you need time to focus on feeling better. However, you’ll also be aware of how your children are feeling – and all the housework that’s probably piled up!
That’s why having some insight into the family routine and how to prevent disruption is key. You won’t be able to make things feel truly like they always do, but you can prevent issues like angry fights and income worries from becoming points of stress.
**Contributed post