“We are preparing our marriage”, “it has made us more accomplices” … For them, the health crisis has tightened family ties

Of course, there were the two confinements, the curfew, the economic crisis, the neglected social life, the relatives affected by the disease, the increase in the mental burden for mothers … But the Covid-19 crisis has not had a negative impact on the lives of the French. And some have drawn positive aspects from it, especially in their family life.

According to a survey * by the Occurence institute carried out for Ici Barbès that we unveil this Thursday, among the 31% of French people who make a positive assessment of the crisis, one of the main reasons they give to explain it is due to the having refocused around their loved ones. Even though family reunions have been postponed, the phone calls have kept the bond, and even strengthened it. And for those who live as a couple or with children, relationships have sometimes been enriched. “The crisis has led them to review their priorities and focus on the essentials, namely the members of their inner circle, the family”, analyzes Pierre Chavonnet, director of the brands and transformation division of Occurrence.

“Getting together at 4, in our bubble, it made us even more accomplices”

Because if there have been many disputes over vaccination, parents exhausted because of home schooling, or clashes with mother-in-law after three weeks in self-sufficiency, the family has often been a refuge. faced with the uncertainties and the anxiety-provoking climate conveyed by this pandemic. And the confinements, the evenings during the curfew could be opportunities to rediscover each other. This is what Leslie experienced, who responded to our call for witnesses: “Being able to take advantage of our daughter, born in December, and her big sister, was a real plus. Getting together at 4, in our bubble, made us more accomplices. We saw this time as a chance to take advantage of all those times when kids change so quickly. “

Audrey is also one of those who saw their family ties strengthened: “The Covid-19 has strengthened the ties in my family. Being teleworked, being with my 3 children all day, it was unheard of. Admittedly, doing the dictation of one while helping another to do his history homework while managing his team at work, it was complicated, but at the same time, being at home at 5 p.m. and enjoying moments together to playing a board game, cooking or watching a movie, that was also unheard of during the week. Being present when they come home from school, college, high school, it was precious ”. “Those who perceive the impact on family life most positively are the CSP +, who suffered less during the period than more disadvantaged families living in small apartments and encountering financial difficulties during the health crisis”, specifies Pierre Chavonnet.

“We got into the habit of meeting on Friday evening for a pizza”

What the French have experienced since March 2019 will inevitably leave traces and new behaviors. Thus, 54% of French people think that this crisis has made them “a new person”. And 75% want to take care of their loved ones more. One in three French people, for example, thinks of continuing the family routines that started during the crisis, such as having breakfast with the family or organizing a Skype aperitif with loved ones. Milène is one of those who want to keep these little rituals: “I am the mother of 3 children aged 15, 13 and 10, and during confinement and curfews, we have become accustomed to meeting around Friday evening. a pizza (delivered from our local pizza maker who couldn’t work otherwise) while playing video games with our kids. Great moments of laughter and sharing with our teenagers. Sometimes also board game evenings, but they preferred video games… This habit has remained, because we believe that these are memories they will keep ”.

Two thirds of French people are also convinced that their professional life will change. Among them, 42% want to rebalance their life with a lesser measure for the professional. “While many were caught up in their work, they now want to reinvest time in their family life so as not to feel like they are neglecting it. This is why they no longer want to spend 100% of their time at the office and want to telework more, ”continues Pierre Chavonnet. This is the case with Audrey: “I try to be teleworking at least one day a week to make the effect last”.

“Containment has been a great accelerator in getting to know each other”

For some, the crisis was also a privileged moment to revisit his life and wonder about the follow-up to be given to it. Thus, 21% say they want to get more involved by getting married, becoming a caregiver, or moving part-time to promote professional and personal balance. This is the case with Frédéric: “The week of the first confinement, my partner came to live with me. Containment has been a great accelerator in getting to know each other. Finally, after a few months, she ended up terminating the lease on her apartment and had her furniture returned to me. Finally with us. Today, we are preparing our wedding for 2022 ”.

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