Homeschooling has become more and more popular over the past decade but really wasn’t considered mainstream. However, the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 has means that thousands of parents are now facing the daunting task of simultaneously parenting, working, and teaching.
Trying to work from home with your kids around is challenging enough for any parent. But when you’re also homeschooling them at the same time, things can get stressful.
How does an overwhelmed parent find some balance in this unprecedented situation? Here’s a few tips that you can follow so that you can feel productive and successful without losing your mind.
Create a Schedule
Creating and maintaining a realistic schedule is essential. The kids need one for structure and you need one to keep up with your increased responsibilities.
Begin by making a schedule for the kids. You can include scheduled zoom calls, your homeschool schedule, educational activities, play time and mealtimes. When your kids know what they are working on and have a schedule to follow, it makes life much easier for both everyone! Kids need a routine and they’ll be much happier when they’re following one.
Take Movement Breaks
If kids have pent up energy, it can be tough for them to focus. So, why not help them burn off that energy so you can work in peace?
Getting your kids to participate in physical activities will help to wear them out, and keep them calm and healthy. So allow time for them to run around the backyard and free play. You might want to set up a mini obstacle course, a tether ball or other outdoor physical games that they can play.
Once they’re done burning off that energy, they’ll probably be more likely to play quietly for awhile.
Create a Dedicated Office Space
Create space in an extra room or corner of the house that is strictly yours. It will establish a boundary that is Mom or Dad’s workspace. Doing too many things in one space is a recipe for chaos.
Relax Screen Time Rules
Many parents worry about excessive screen time, but these are extenuating circumstances. Allow yourselves some grace. Use a filtering program to help you set boundaries on apps and programs. Make good use of educational sites and programming.
Remember You Aren’t the Teacher
When your kids are home all day with you, you might feel you have to assume the role of teacher. But you really don’t. It’s not your job to research and get familiar with everything that’s being covered at school. Think of yourself as a facilitator.
Focus on educational activities they can do independently 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, be sure to include that too. If you look online, you can probably find free printables that they can use.
Talk to Your Employer
If you’re really struggling, reach out to your employer and communicate what’s going on. They might be willing to work with you for more days off or flexible time.
Remember, that there are many people going through the same situation as you are right now. This is not an easy time for any of us but remind yourself that it is only temporary.
Do you have any homeschooling or scheduling tips to share? I’d love to hear them!