Parenting, Working and Teaching: Steps to on How To Do All Three
The recent corona virus outbreak has meant that millions of parents across the globe are now facing the impossible task of being a parent, worker and teacher. How to do all 3 you ask?? Insert insanity, uncertainty and chaos. Here are some tips o how to work from home with small kids.
Getting through your day is difficult enough when you’re trying to work from home with the kids. However, when you also have to home school them at the same time, it can prove to be a real nightmare.
If you’re trying to find the right balance in this unprecedented situation, there are some tips you can follow. Here, we’ll look at some of the steps you can take to accomplish your new role without losing your mind.
Create and work from a schedule
The one thing that’s going to prove invaluable during this time, is creating and maintaining a schedule. The kids need a schedule and you need one to help you keep up with your increased duties.
Start with making a schedule for the kids. You can include educational activities, play time and mealtimes. When they know what they are working on and have a schedule to follow, it makes it so much easier for both them and you. Kids need a routine and they’ll be a lot happier when they’re following one. We didn’t follow a schedule last go round and boy was it a nightmare. This time we will be getting up as we normally would, getting dressed and starting our day off right.
Make time for physical activity
It can be tough trying to work when the kids have bundles of energy. So, why not help them burn off that energy so you can work in peace?
Getting them to partake in physical activity helps to wear them out as well as keep them healthy. So, encourage time running around in the back yard. You could create a mini assault course or look online for physical games you could play. We have a puppy who LIVES to run around. Give them a ball and some space and there is an hour of activity right there.
Once they’ve finished their physical activity, they will be more likely to play quietly for a period of time.
Don’t try and become a teacher
Now that the kids are off school, you may feel like you have to become a teacher. You really don’t. It’s not your job to research and familiarize yourself with the topics they cover at school. Who has time to learn common core math anyways?! LOL
Instead, focus on educational activities they can do such as reading. You can also set up things such as sensory buckets and let them use educational apps.
If the school provided digital work they can follow, don’t forget to utilize that too. If you look online, you might also find free workbooks they can use. Don’t forget to stay in contact with both the teacher AND the school guidance office. They will be of a huge help to you.
Talk through any issues with your employer
If you are having issues juggling everything, don’t be afraid to talk to your employer. They may give you additional days off so you can get used to the new arrangement. Many employers are in the same boat as you and many will understand whats going on. Many people have been working from home for several months and some companies are making it easier to get it done in a reasonable fashion.
Remember, there are a lot of people going through the same situation as you right now. It’s not easy but remind yourself that it is only temporary. The above tips will help you to better juggle your new responsibilities in the time being. Don’t forget to reach out to your community. Church family, family members, neighbors and online friendships can be a life line during this time. #ittakesavillage
xoxo
MHS
