The recent coronavirus outbreak has meant that millions of parents including myself across the globe are now facing the impossible task of being a parent, worker, and teacher.

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 sanity.

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, playtime, and meal-times. 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.

Next, may a schedule for you. You will need to include your time working along with your breaks. I often take my breaks at the same time as the kids so we can go out and get fresh air. It really does help so then when you come back in we can get back to our educational responsibilities.

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-course or look online for physical games you could play.

Once they’ve finished their physical activity, they will be more likely to play quietly for a period of time. We do this mid-morning and afternoon. That way when we come in to eat lunch and dinner they actually want to sit down.

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.

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. I love ABC Mouse and Reading Eggs. They are excellent programs and they also have some printable worksheets.

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 arrangements, or they may allow you to take longer breaks and flex your hours due to the current situation.

I have been very lucky due to my manager being very understanding of my situation. I just recommend that you be completely honest, but also try to figure out a plan or two to purpose to your manager. 

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. Should you need help with coming up for a routine please feel free to reach out to me and we can set-up a time to create one in under 30 minutes.

Sincerely,