A Filipina mother of three based in Abu Dhabi has made use of the heightened restrictions amid coronavirus disease (COVID-19) to further help her kids develop their interests as a way to cope with anxiety amid the pandemic.
Carla Valeriano-Hernandez, a 46-year-old nurse, said that the stay-at-home measures in the UAE have become their family’s driving force to explore their potential skills.
She added that while the situation is stressful for everyone, she tries to reconnect and communicate with her kids through new hobbies that they can enjoy together.
“This pandemic is stressful and has completely changed our lives. I can understand the anxiety of every parent on how to keep their children safe. As for me, I encourage my kids to verbalize their thoughts, anxiety, or how they feel through these creative activities,” said Hernandez, who has been in the UAE for 13 years.
Her youngest daughter, she added, has started earning money from her baking after some of her friends started ordering her cakes and pastries. Meanwhile, her other kids have started painting bags and making more meals to while their time at home.
“I have always encouraged them to be productive, do their hobbies and explore their other potentials. Whatever our kids’ interests, we can help enhance this because this could be their future profession and a ticket to a good life,” she said.
The Filipina mother also said that instead of dwelling on the negative things, parents can use this period to “develop and improve our children’s skills.”
