The things you can do to make family life in isolation easier on everyone
Routines – make a preferred routine which you discuss with other people in the house eg. morning might be ‘work ‘ afternoons may be more flexible
Review and keep reviewing so tensions do not build, think solutions rather than complaints
Offer compromises or choices – everyone likes a choice more than an edict
Share jobs – e.g there is no reason why one person has to do all the tasks. While we often work to strengths it might be positive to offer to show your partner how to do something. Maybe this is an opportunity to develop new skills
Make your day balanced - it’s good to have time alone too
Managing anxiety – try not to look too far ahead, think about how much news and social media you want in a day
Think about safe uncertainty – uncertainty is a given, what can we do to make it as safe as possible, what is in our control to influence
What gives me pleasure and calm? Let your partner know, their pleasure and calm may be different from yours
Stay in touch with friends and family not just “how are you”. Organise an online quiz via facetime or Zoom
Notice when you are feeling irritated – do something different. Negative patterns of communication are like a beautiful dance – you both know the steps and what comes next
Change the music