What kind of unreal time is this that we are currently experiencing?! The Corona crisis is also an absolutely exceptional situation for children. It is all the more important that we give them the best possible support in becoming courageous and strong personalities. So that they can overcome crises like this with a lot of power and optimism!

Children are such a wonderful gift. A gift that comes with great responsibility! As a mom, I often think about how I can best support my kids. How can I be at their side so that they go their own way with confidence and courage? Right now, children need strong inner resources so that the Corona crisis doesn't throw them off track. Because of course: Even if our children are still so small, they are just now noticing that something is wrong. They don't go to daycare or school, are only allowed to Skype with their grandparents and take a close look at the worry lines on their parents' foreheads. In order for us to be able to master our lives independently - especially in crises - we need a strong personality. Whatever life may bring with it: people with a strong personality stand by themselves, have the confidence to do something, trust in themselves and the world. The most important foundations for this are laid in childhood.

Give your children the warmth of the nest that gives them wings! I would like to give you these ten tips.

Let's be honest: As parents, we often mistakenly attach conditions to our love. Children must be good, obedient, ambitious and kind. Unconditional love is the most important basis for our children's self-worth! Give them the certainty: You are good the way you are.

Children love structure. That's why there are very clear rules in our patchwork household. They give the children the orientation they long for. And they learn the limits of their parents and their environment and accept certain circumstances and circumstances. For example, my daughters don't have their own cell phones yet. Of course there are discussions about it, but I am firmly convinced that they first have to have a stable footing in life before, for example, social media rains down on them. Especially now, when many families are at home together all day (#stayathome!), it is super important to give the day a framework. It's best to divide it into small, manageable blocks: homeschooling, cooking (and of course eating) together, crafts, dancing, etc. The fixed daily routine (which everyone discusses together!) ensures order in a time that otherwise causes so much confusion.

Children have a right to be taken seriously and heard. Am I angry or angry? Or surprised and sad? Perceiving and naming your own feelings is a big learning topic for children. We can support them by listening empathetically. What do I mean by that? Really listen to what your children tell you. Don't interpret anything into it, but ask questions without judgment if something is unclear. In this way, the child learns to really communicate and get to the bottom of their feelings. Communication is also crucial in these times. Unicef ​​has created a great guide on how to talk to children about Corona - honestly, but without stirring up fears. Clear recommendation!

Curiosity is one of the greatest forces that drives a child and also one of the most important. Give your children the freedom to live out their curiosity undisturbed. Encourages them to try new things - even at the risk of falling on their face. This is how they learn quickly: get up and carry on. Nothing's happening, sweetheart!

As a working mom, I usually don't have the time to be an overprotective mother. And that's a good thing! The sooner we trust our children with something, the stronger their resilience will develop. In other words, their strength not to let themselves be blown away by the first headwind. Whether it's buying ice cream alone in the city or dealing with problems with the teacher without their parents: give your children the freedom to take things into their own hands. It will strengthen her immensely and if she is actually needed, you can always come to her aid!

You probably know that, right? You have a dream, a vision, and then the voice comes from off-camera that maybe says: "You can't do it anyway" or "Don't be such a dreamer." Such beliefs usually come from our childhood and can shape us for the rest of our lives. Therefore: Give your child nice, positive thoughts! The topic of beliefs is very close to my heart anyway. Because I have felt firsthand how wonderful life can be when you have a good dose of trust from your parents. I also try to convey to my children that in every challenge there is an opportunity - be it learning something new, taking more time for each other or thinking about others. I, for example, have put out all my cookbooks and now finally want to learn to cook.

A Jewish proverb says: “One mother reaches more than a hundred teachers!” Everything I preach to my children is only half as good as what I model for them. Children learn through imitation and that is why it is particularly important for us parents to examine ourselves and convey values ​​and skills through actions. That's why raising children is always work on yourself. Only when I grow can my children do the same! And in concrete terms, that currently means: Show your children how to wash their hands properly - and have them copy it. By the way, experts recommend singing “Happy Birthday” twice. This way you can achieve the optimal length and also do something for your mood!

Yes, parenting can be quite a challenging thing. That's why I recommend you: Leave the critic aside and look at the whole thing with humor. This is how your children learn that life doesn't have to be stressful, but above all, it's fun! This also comes with enormous calmness. (Without which our patchwork family wouldn't function at all ;). It's much nicer to laugh about something going wrong than to take everything so seriously. With this in mind: Ommmm, give yourself and your loved ones the serenity of a Buddha!

“It takes a whole village to raise a child” – you probably know this African proverb? I think it's really important for children to have more adult caregivers than just their parents. Feel free to involve grandparents, uncles, aunts, neighbors and friends in the upbringing. You learn to let go a little and the children have other role models that they can follow. And now in times of crisis they can take responsibility themselves: they can Skype their grandparents every day and thus take some of the weight of their loneliness away. Or why not record a funny video and send it to the neighbors? It is an incredibly beautiful experience for children to be actively involved in a community. And to learn: We care about each other!

Last but not least, my most important advice to all parents: listen to your inner voice. Yes, really! She will tell you what is right for you and your children. You just have to listen very carefully! Thank you for doing your best every day for your children and their future!

And the most important thing at the moment: everyone stay healthy and take care of yourselves! We are all in this together and I am sure: together we can do it!