Hey Good Lifers!
It is time for back to school, but your kids are still home! Many school districts have chosen a distance learning option to kick off the 2020-2021 school year. What does that mean for you?
Your family needs three basic things to keep the “back to school, yet still at home” grind from wearing you down!
Routines, Clear Expectations, and Balance
Routines: Research shows that kids thrive in environments where there are routines and procedures because they see their environment and secure and predictable. The research also says that the adults in charge of those kids are much less stressed and much less exhausted at the end of the day if routines are followed. Set a daily schedule for your family. Break it down into time slots and post it to help keep everyone on track. I’ve added one here that I use with my own kiddos, keep scrolling!
Clear expectations: What is learning going to look like in your house? Will your kids be in an isolated space or in a public one? How often will an adult be checking in on their progress? What is your expectations for work completion and work ethic? Have these conversations early so that your kids know exactly what to expect from you and what you expect from them.
Balance: This is crucial. Just like all work and no play made Jack a dull boy; we can’t expect our families not to need a little down time. The basic balancing act is work (academics), physical exercise, and free time. Make sure your daily schedule allows time for your kids to participate in all of these things. There are many sites online that offer free STEM, art, and other creative projects to keep those mental juices flowing. Try Ten Free STEM Websites for Kids and Free Kids Crafts!
Diet is another area that many people have had trouble balancing during this pandemic. With the extra time that families have at home, let’s include all family members in the conversation about planning meals and brainstorming healthy, yummy alternatives to junk food. Letting our kiddos in on the conversation strengthens their sense of ownership in staying healthy!
