Hey everyone! Well, it’s been way too long since I last wrote a blog post so here I am. Yes, life has taken an unexpected turn in the last couple of weeks! With the onset and spread of the Coronavirus, everyone’s world has been turned upside down. A few weeks ago, I was juggling busy school and activity schedules, making daily coffee trips, and having a general sense of being carefree. Now, I am homeschooling my children, confined to the house, and trying to figure out this new way of life.
What are some things that I am doing to help? Today I would like to share what has been working for me…
- Get up everyday and get ready.
This may look different for everyone of course. I always start my day with a shower and getting dressed for my day. I also cannot forget makeup! Even though I don’t wear a lot, I still like to apply just enough to look refreshed.
2. Stick to a schedule
Our school district provided a sample schedule of the school day. I wrote it up and posted it for the children and I to follow. It helps keep us on track with completing work and balancing time outdoors. I find that as much as they resisted at first, now they actually look forward to it! Kids crave structure and routines.
3. Have a designated space to work
Once I found out that the children would be learning at home, I created a space for them to work that had minimal distractions. It is not fancy, but it is a place where they go to work. My older children can work independently while I can facilitate lessons with my preschooler. This way, everyone is happy!
4. A little looseness is okay
I am not talking about a complete free for all, but it is okay to bend the rules when the time is right. Everyone is feeling the effects of this change, and it is important for your children to feel some freedom at times. Perhaps it’s a later bedtime one night, a little bit of extra screen time, or indulging in a food that they may normally not be allowed to eat. I found myself giving my children Lucky Charms today and I never would have bought those before.
5. Be fun!
Do things that you may not normally do…this can be a huge stress reliever for your children (and even yourself)! Have a designated dance party time, allow the kids to bake (with some supervision of course), redecorate a room, or sing songs. You may already do some of these suggestions and if you do, great job!
6. Take Breaks!
There is not a single person that can keep working all day without taking a break. This allows you to refresh and reset, hence making you more productive. Some ways to take breaks are: taking a walk, doing a short fitness routine, having a cup of coffee or tea, talking on the phone with a friend, painting your nails, or watching TV (preferably not the news).
I know this is not my typical fashion post, but it is relevant to our lives right now. I appreciate you stopping by the blog today! Leave a comment or question on what you thought! Thank you!
XO~ Noreen