Thanks to COVID-19 you’re probably one of the many families counting your forced time together in terms of weeks not days.
I’ve heard from many parents how they are managing this increased level of time together. It’s wonderful to see the unique and creative ways of getting through this pandemic, in spite of the long days and limited options. Last week I shared 6 ways to survive isolation...you can read it here.
Gone are playdates, trips to the neighbourhood park, classrooms, hanging out at the mall and the freedom to do so many things we normally take for granted.
With no end in sight to the current personal restrictions and more questions than answers, it’s understandable that our anxiety levels are on the rise.
What may have begun as a novel and welcomed change to the busy and hurried lives we live, can become the source of frustration that pushes us over the edge. Boredom, conflict, personality differences, preferences and too much of a good thing can cause even the most caring parent and loving family to resort to extreme measures…okay lets say it…want to do harm to the very ones they love.
Hey that can happen in the best of times but the added anxiety our current reality is placing on all of us is real and it’s taxing. Maybe you’re in this love/hate tug of war in your own mind and your not sure you can go another day.
Today, I just want to share one idea that I hope, will give you some.
Lessons From Camping
Years ago I came across research (I can’t find it now) that suggested that a common trait of “happy families” was that they went camping.
Camping!
This was not good news for me. I had no interest in camping and I still don’t. Maybe that makes me a bad parent…I certainly wondered about that, and raise the question in my book too. It didn’t inspire me to go shopping for the latest gear or buy an RV or purchase a seasons pass to national parks (I don’t actually know if you can do that).
I assumed that camping was so impactful to family happiness because of the beauty of the outdoors, the escape from routine, nourished souls from singing birds and babbling brooks, fishing and canoeing, family meals and campfires with s’mores.
But that wasn’t it.
Sure those are all good things, but the article went on to say that the main reason why camping had a positive influence on families was because camping presented them with challenges and problems that once overcome left them with memories and a bonding factor long after camping season was over.
So camping has a positive impact on family relationships because of the challenges associated with camping not the “blessings” of camping.
Things like…
- Rain for days on end and being cooped up inside a leaky tent
- Forgetting some of the groceries and rationing for survival
- Being overcome with bugs in biblical proportions
- The Coleman stove breaking down or running out of propane leaving cold beans and eggs
- Even someone getting injured portaging to the next lake and having to return home early
People actually sign up for this? Apparently so.
I’m sure there are legitimate reasons to pack up the SUV and drive into the woods to escape the normal routine, but that list right there explains some of the reasons I chose not to.
But the research was clear. Camping increased family bonding and helped forge lasting, loving relationships…but not for the reasons you would think, but because of the unexpected challenges, the unforeseen, the disappointments and even the pain.
I know we are all in this current reality with few certainties. It’s a struggle. Normal doesn’t really exist and you are having some good days and some tough days. But be assured of this; there will come a day when you and your family will look back on this season with all it’s ups and downs with a deeper, stronger bond than if you had never gone through it in the first place.
I suppose if we had been a camping family we’d be better prepared for today. You might be camping in your backyard or in your basement, that’s good. But don’t be discouraged if (when) things go sideways. You’ll be better for it…eventually.
Q. What do you think? If you’re a camping family would you agree? Why or why not? What would you add?
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