COVID-19 BLUES: Parents, are you feeling trapped?

With the unexpected and unprecedented events that have occurred in the past two weeks, I know most of our routines have gone out the window.  For some parents you still have to maintain your daily work schedule, while also finding activities and educational opportunities to occupy your children.  Others may be working from home which can be difficult, while trying find the time to manage the little ones.  Regardless of your situation, it's important to tackle this with a plan. 

Here are a few tips to keep you sane during this time:

1. Establish a daily schedule for yourself and your children. - We all need structure and without out, we can lose a whole day because we are not

focused.

2. Plan activities for your children in advance. - I would suggest developing a plan of action Saturday and Sunday for implementation the following week. You can always make adjustments as needed.

3. Provide a visual that represents the schedule for the day - You could designate a wall in your home to display a schedule, use a calendars or post-it

notes on the wall to display activities, or provide each child with a weekly schedule of their own.

4. Get the children involved in creating - Whether they are helping build the schedule, finding the area where it will be displayed, or thinking of creative ways to execute the plan, get them involved.

5. Teach life skills - This is a perfect time for children to learn age-appropriate life skills such as: cooking, cleaning, sewing, laundry, etc.

6. Establish quiet or reading time during the day - Parents, here is your opportunity to find some time for yourself.  Make it an expectation that everyone is quiet at the time you have designated.

No matter your plan, I encourage you to be consistent with your expectations.  Then, and only then, will you find a few moments of peace and quiet for yourself.

Be healthy and Stay well.