The created crisis and the restrictions imposed by the authorities in connection with COVID-19 remodeled ties between children and parents, between grandparents and grandchildren. The visits, meals that reunited families, hugs and listening to stories on the knees of grandparents became impossible overnight. “We were happy and didn’t know! Isolation came suddenly without giving us much time to think. It’s good that it came this way as it showed to each of us which are the things, traditions, people that we put in the place of God and valued the most,” said psychologist Rodica Rudei.
Commented by IPN on the occasion of International Day of Families that is celebrated on May 15, the psychologist said happiness in the family is the one by which each member feels that their needs are satisfied. The achievement of such success depends on the couple’s capacity to adjust to the faced challenges.
“More stress factors than those that a couple can cope with appeared in the period and the relationship experiences imbalance. Each couple has to apply skills to overcome the crisis and these can include problem solving aptitudes, mutual support, efficient communication abilities and adjustment to the change of roles in a couple,” stated the psychologist.
According to Rodica Rudei, no matter how easily the people adjust themselves to new situations, the previous weeks implied increased uncertainty and some faced separation from the dear ones, mourning, unemployment and financial difficulties, while others could unexpectedly satisfy a non-uttered wish.
“It is important to remain connected with our grandparents as they are exposed to the greatest danger of infection and to loneliness. We can do some trivial things together and talk to them over the phone at a particular hour so as to relate how the day passed. At a particular hour, we can see each other on Skype or Whatsapp and can do something together.”
The psychologist noted that all these for the elderly ones should represent a reality in which social distancing means not isolation and abandonment in solitude, but safe protection.
“Hope, faith and love are mandatory values that should be shown and refined in the family as they bring health and extend life, ease burdens and help satisfy the needs of those who are dear to us! Only those who live this way obey the laws of Heaven and are happy indeed!” noted Rodica Rudei.
