Coronavirus: how to make home a stress-free place for your family – have boundaries and a routine, get off social media and talk

The coronavirus outbreak has resulted in plenty of home time for families in Hong Kong, as parents work and children and study away from school and office

A clinical psychologist offers tips on how to create a happier home environment for the family at such a time

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The coronavirus outbreak, which causes a respiratory illness called Covid-19, has resulted in many families spending a lot of time together – here’s how parents and children can better get along during times of difficulty. Photo: Shutterstock

Published: 8:00pm, 14 Feb 2020Updated: 8:00pm, 14 Feb 2020

Hong Kong-based teacher Jenny Thomas says a shift in family dynamics as a result of the coronavirus outbreak has driven a wedge in what are already shaky relations between her and her two sons.

Like many in Hong Kong, Thomas (not her real name) has been working from home while helping with online lesson for her boys – one aged 12, the other 15 – with the city in lockdown to contain the spread of the coronavirus. By Friday morning, Hong Kong had 53 confirmed cases, one of them fatal.

On Thursday, the Hong Kong government announced it would extend school closures from March 2 to March 16.

“I’ve reached boiling point many times – it’s been really tough,” says Thomas. She says the situation is made worse by the absence of her husband, who is working overseas until the end of the month.

Family members’ empathy and patience can run low during stressful times. Photo: Shutterstock

“I don’t think I’ve had this much face-to-face communication with my children in many months. Sadly, most of it hasn’t been positive.”