Anyone else a little over not having control over you and your family’s day during this “new normal”? It’s even crazier to think that even after our Country’s attempt at social distancing our children will probably be out of school for the summer anyway. So, whether they are or aren’t in school this list is a helpful guide to aid in getting your children on a schedule while at home.
AGE
I want to start by acknowledging that we all have different at-home lives. While I only have my soon to be one-year-old, I am aware that many of us have multiple children as well as different age groups. Cool. Totally aware. That’s something we need to keep in mind when creating a schedule for our children. So, while my daughter is discovering new foods and learning how to walk, your child may be a tween that’s always bored. Not only incorporate what you think they’d like but ask them. So, what this post should create for you is a rough outline for you to start with and then you continue to tweak what you need for your family.
FRESH AIR
I know that we are practicing social distancing but don’t forget that you and your children are living vessels that need air and sunlight. Cabin fever is real and these two ingredients make for great solutions. Just a reminder to stay at least 6 feet away while practicing social distancing. So, make sure you are getting fresh air and sunlight
EDUCATION
I know it’s a weird stressful time but please do not allow your children to fall behind in their schoolwork. Right now stay on top of their homework, projects, online assignments, and reading. You do not want to cheat your children of an education because I guarantee you (coming from a teacher’s wife) most kids are getting up during normal school hours and getting work done with their teacher’s checking up and keeping track of who is or isn’t participating. Attendance matters! So my recommendation for you is to do everything possible to stay on top of your child’s assignments. It’s 2020, communication between you and your child’s teacher should be easy. If you have questions and concerns please do not hesitate to reach out to them.
FOOD/MEAL TIMES
A great tip when making a schedule for your child[ren] is to have two meals a day at the exact same time. It does not matter which two meals as long as the timing for those meals becomes routine. This may seem like a pain but after the first week you will soon realize it’s a time saver as you begin to think of meal ideas ahead of time and prepare for them.
FUN
Just like this situation is off-putting for us adults, it’s just as unnerving to children. They just went from going to school, playing with their friends, learning from their teacher, and hugging their little friend to being on lockdown in the house. So not fun! Unless.. you are sure to incorporate it in your day to day starting with this schedule.
PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
Physical Exercise is huge. It is necessary for everyone not only children to incorporate it into our day. It aids in emotional, mental, and physical health. In a time like this where all three are being tested be sure to stay ahead of the game by incorporating at least 30 minutes to an hour of physical activity.
FREE TIME
Set aside some intentional free time for both you and your child to have a little free time. Whether that means you want to take a nap, talk on the phone, or get something else done. It’s time set aside for you to do you and them to do them. I usually use this time to catch up on something I probably fell behind in earlier that day. Whether it be getting this article done, washing some leftover dishes or listening to my body tell me it needs some rest. Trust me homegirl you won’t regret it.
RELAX!
Life is crazy right now. We are in the midst of a large shift. Be sure you are keeping yourself a priority. You are of no use to anyone if you yourself aren’t taken care of. As wives and mothers we have the tendency to put everyone else’s needs before your own. This does nothing but start a cycle of self-destruction and that is not what your family needs. Your family needs a relaxed woman willing to say, “I need a moment to myself to relax so that I can be a better aid to others later”. Relax. There is nothing you can not handle.
Ladies let’s take control of our new normal and start a winning schedule for our children ASAP. Now that we are equipped with this list we can use it as an outline to put together the perfect schedule for your family. Let me give you a heads up, there might be push back, but in the end it will be what’s best and efficient for all. Let me know how your schedule has had to change during this “new normal” Are you sticking to a schedule? Have you gotten your family on board? Have all schedules been thrown out of the window? Let me know below in the comments! I also have a video HERE on this topic which holds an extra helpful tip for those really interested in making a schedule.