I know so many of us are confused and worried about everything that is happening in the world around us. Many of us are also scared because with schools, activities, and sports cancelled we will have to find ways to educate and entertain our kids full-time (while also working from home for many of us). So I reached out to friends who all have expertise in education about tips on how to handle the weeks ahead. These were some of the best tips as we all venture on this new journey! I am also working on some sample schedules, a list of free websites and activities, and some guest posts from amazing SAHMs who have amazing activities that can be done with things around your house to keep our little ones entertained.

Have a Schedule
Many teachers will tell you that having a clear schedule for kids is important. Having it posted somewhere clearly where children can see (even if they can’t read) is also helpful. It makes them feel safe and secure, like you know what you’re doing (even if we don’t!) This will also help kids have a sense of normalcy in a time that will likely feel very ABNORMAL to them, even if they are younger than school age. They won’t go to their normal activities, they might not see their loved ones as frequently so giving them a schedule (even if you don’t stick to it every day) will help them process this time.
Go outside!
If you aren’t quarantined to your house, go outside for walks, to the park (sanitize before and after and don’t go if you or your kids are feeling under the weather), play out back if you have a yard, or sit on balcony of your apartment. Being outside can be calming, it can also help kids burn off energy and stay active. The sun also gives us Vitamin D, which helps boost the immune system. If you can get out in the morning for a bit and in the afternoon it will also help keep them in a regular sleeping schedule. If you cannot go outside, sit by a window that gets natural light. You can read a book by the window or eat lunch next to it. You will still get some benefits!
Work Space
If you are working from home and your children are also “remote learning” from home, set up clear work spaces for you and for your kids. Set some clear boundaries around when you’ll be working and when they should be working. Limit interruptions during both times, including the television, music with words, or side conversations with other kids or your spouse that might be distracting.
Don’t Stress about Screen Time
We hear it all the time - limit screen time! Well, right now, it might be hard! Especially if your child is remote learning AND you are working from home. Particularly if you have young children. Do your best to put “screen time” or “tv” in their schedule so they know that screen time has a start and and end. If you have clear times that you will have calls and meetings, it will make it easier to sync screen time and your meetings up.
Make a Memory Book
This is a really unique experience. Most of us have probably never spent two weeks with just our kids in our house! Take a picture each day and turn it into a memory book. Particularly if you have young children, they probably won’t remember that there was panic and fear in the country, they’ll remember had two weeks with their parents doing fun activities. Its also a good lesson to teach children to remember the good and identify the positive even in the most difficult times.
WORKOUT!
We know all the many benefits of working out. Working out solo or with your kids will keep you healthy, boost you immune system, and provide you with stress relief. Remember to take care of yourself! I am working on putting together some kid-friendly barre workouts for all you mamas. And don’t forget about mini barre workout series that has workouts for all different time frames.