Kids are out of school, parents are working from home, and everyone has been instructed to stay inside and much as possible. On paper, this sounds like a recipe for disaster: cranky kids and stressed-out parents aren’t usually a good mix. However, all hope is not lost. In fact, there are many things that we can do to alleviate those feelings of tension and uneasiness which are prevalent for most families at this time and we look at 8 below.
First things first: explain what is happening, using age-appropriate language
Suddenly being out of school can be exciting for children, but it is important that they understand they are not on holiday. They will still need to practice schoolwork, and unfortunately, they won’t be able to meet up and play with their friends. In addition to being exciting, such a lifestyle change can also make some children feel a little uneasy, and they will undoubtedly have some fears or concerns of their own, so make sure to offer comfort and reassurance when your child needs it.
This guide on kidshealth.org offers tips on how you can talk to your child about what is currently going on in an age-appropriate way, and
this article on the Guardian discusses how to approach some of the more difficult questions your child may be asking.
Remember, comfort and positive reassurance is key. It’s ok to admit you don’t have all the answers as a parent. If you find yourself struggling to talk to your child about coronavirus, seek advice from fellow parents you trust, or turn to helpful online resources such as the ones above.
Change out of those PJs!
When we know we’re going to be spending the whole day at home, changing out of our pjs or lounge clothes can seem a bit pointless, but it’s not! Getting ready for the day is an important part of routine for both kids and adults. It helps create a positive and productive mindset, whereas staying in pajamas can do the opposite. There’s no need to change into formal office attire or put the kids in their
school uniform, just changing into something other than loungewear will do. Then, when it comes to the end of the day, changing back into your night clothes will subconsciously remind you and your kids that it’s time to wind down.
Establish a routine (or continue with your usual one)
Whether it’s a thorough schedule accounting for each minute of the day or a more loosely based plan, creating some kind of structure is vital for retaining some normality during this uncertain time. Routine also helps to keep you organized and your mind clear, as well as provide your children with a sense of security and safety. Structure will also help keep your kids in their usual bedtime and morning routines, allowing you to effectively plan your own schedule around them.
Create a space for alone time
Everybody needs a little personal space every now and again, but at the moment it is even more important. To ensure everyone in your household gets the regular alone time they need, you will need to discuss with your family how you can all work together to respect each other’s space. This may be as simple as agreeing not to disturb others during a certain time of day, or hanging a ‘do not disturb’ sign on the back of your door.
Getting alone time when you have younger children is never easy, and can be especially difficult under these circumstances. That is why we recommend assigning evenings to more leisurely activities like watching T.V or reading, rather than trying to catch up on work. If you really want to work while the kids are in bed, try getting up a little bit earlier and cramming in an hour or two before they wake up for the day. This may seem like a crazy idea if you’ve never done it before, but you’ll have much more energy at the start of a busy day compared to the end of one.
Work around your kid’s schedule
Maintaining your kids sleep and wake schedule is perhaps the most important step in keeping a happy household at the moment. If your children continue to sleep and eat at set times during the day, this helps lessen the likelihood of temper tantrums and difficult behavior. This means that while working from home you may need to adjust your usual work times to fit around your kid’s daily schedule.
Schedule a nap time or quiet time
Your child’s afternoon nap is an ideal time to power though those work emails and start ticking off your to-do list. Even if your tot is down for a mere 20 minutes, that’s still 20 minutes to knuckle down and power through your workload. If your child is too old for nap time, or struggles to sleep during the day, create a ‘quiet time’ for them instead. Place them in a safe room where you can hear or see them through a monitor and allow them to entertain themselves for an hour or two. Of course, this won’t always be possible, especially if your little one is feeling particularly clingy or unsettled, and that’s fine! However, you may be surprised at how much you can accomplish in just one or two hours a week of ‘quiet time’.
Plan engaging activities
Thanks to the modern magic of the internet, we have access to endless activity ideas for kids of all ages, and yet, keeping children entertained can still be a challenge. To save yourself the headache of dealing with bored kids, we recommend planning a few activities in advance each week. That way when your kids are starting to become a little restless you’ll have some tricks up your sleeve! The activities can be crafty, educational, physical or just plain silly! Below are some of our favorites:
Bean bag games
Bean bags are super cheap to buy or can be made using materials you have lying around your home. The games you can play with bean bags are endless, and a great way to let kids burn off some steam. If it’s a nice day head to the back garden and create different targets for your kids to aim at with the beanbags. This is an activity that will challenge them mentally as well as physically, meaning they should be much calmer when it comes to quiet time.
Den building
Whilst the whole family remains at home almost 24/7 you’re going to have to expect your house will become a little messier than usual, so why not embrace it? Let your kids have fun building their very own fortress with cushions, pillows and blankets. Not only does this encourage creativity but you can also teach them responsibility by asking them to help you tidy it away at the end of the day.
Treasure hunt
This is an activity that you can set up the night before, and put your kids to work when you need some time to focus on your own work tasks. Write a trail of clues on paper and put them in various places across the home. If you like, you can pair each clue with a little treat such as a sweet or a small toy. As For the ‘treasure’ at the end, this doesn’t have to be expensive or even something they can hold! It can be something as simple as allowing them an extra half hour of screen time or allowing them to choose whatever they want for dessert.
Accept not every day will be easy
Even with the best intentions and the most elaborately colour-coded schedule, things are still going to fall apart from time to time. You will have days where the kids just won’t settle, the house is a mess and you feel like you have nothing under control. However, there will be just as many days where you feel on top of the world and you’re whizzing through your workload with ease. Just try to take every day as it comes and if things get a little too hectic, just step back, take a deep breath and try again tomorrow.
Keep it up, you’re doing great!
.jpg)
.png)
