Many parents are feeling overwhelmed. Kids are home from school and parents are now wondering what they can do to keep their kids on track, while simultaneously staying on top of their own workload!
We reached out to a few friends to get tips on how to manage. Here is what they told us…
Talk to other parents.
Talking to other parents is nice because it is normalizing - you'll quickly realize everyone is struggling right now, and you are not alone!
Also, other parents may have useful advice for managing homeschooling.
For example...
- Young students regularly have breaks in between virtual classroom meetings. Parents are finding that on top of all their daily responsibilities, they are now on recess duty too! One mom's idea was to put a kitchen timer on her 7 year old daughter's desk. This mom taught her daughter to set the timer for her own breaks so she knows when it is time to play and when it is time to get back to class. Implementing strategies that put the responsibility on the child takes that responsibility off of the parent - plus, it is great practice for the young student!
- Another challenge kids are facing now is their typing pace - never before has it been so useful for grade school students to be proficient in typing. One mom recommended Typing.com for young students - this site offers free 5 - 10 minute typing lessons for newbies.
Communicate with your partner.
It is important to communicate about the division of responsibilities. For example, one parent may be the one who monitors and helps with school work during the day, while the other parent reviews work and ensures the kids get their reading done in the evening. Turn-taking not only alleviates some of the stress for the parents, but also gives the child the advantage of having multiple teachers and points of view.
Teamwork makes the dreamwork.
ATTN: moms
In case you had any doubts - your career matters too. Statistics show that women more readily put aside their own careers for child rearing. This is great, if it is what you want, but if you prefer to pursue your career, do not feel guilty.
Work with other parents.
We're all in this together! If you can team up with a friend on homeschooling, you'll both benefit. We've heard of parents trading homeschooling days. We like this idea because it gives the student the opportunity to work with another teacher, and it will give you a day off.
Nourish independence.
Help your kids develop systems that will allow them to independently function during their school day.
For example...
- Help your student create a document that has all the necessary logins and passwords - this document can be posted at your student's desk so that they can independently access any platform they're using for school.
- Make a list of easy to prepare meals and keep groceries that correspond so that your kids can prepare their own lunches.
- Help your kids create a schedule and a checklist so that they can get everything they need to do done without your supervision.
Don't be afraid to let your student struggle to use the new platforms - they will figure it out and will eventually develop a savviness that will benefit them as they transition into adulthood.
Also, don't let the learning curve get you down - there is a lot of opportunity for growth here.
Keep them hydrated.
We are obviously TOTALLY biased, but the kiddos in our family have a water bottle full of herbal tea to keep at their desk during the day. They love drinking fruity blends like Blueberry and Lemongrass with honey - it helps them remember to stay hydrated which is easy to forget if you're sitting still for most of the day. Scroll to the bottom of this email to see some kid-approved herbal blends the whole family will love.
Protect the eyes.
Kids will be getting a lot of screen time! They can protect their eyes by wearing blue-blocking glasses and avoiding unnecessary use of screens outside of school work. Too much screen time has been shown to cause long term damage to our eyes and negatively affect our sleep. You can find blue-blocking glasses online available in kid sizes.
Make a family walk part of your routine.
While kids coming home from a normal school day might feel inclined to relax, kids schooling from home are most-likely craving stimulation! Take a family walk after dinner so everyone can get some fresh air, sunshine, and a little exercise.
Start the day positive.
You may feel like you have no free time and could use a break! Start your day with a meditation, a 10 minute walk or stretch, or even a long hot shower to get yourself into the right mindset to deal with managing your regular life and your kids homeschooling.
Good luck parents! Your kids are lucky to have you!
herbal blends the whole family will love⬇︎
INGREDIENTS:
hibiscus, rose hips, blueberries, strawberries, and natural flavors
TASTING NOTES:
vibrant ∙ fruit-forward ∙ naturally sweet ∙ subtle tanginess
BREW TIPS:
prepare with spoonful of honey and serve iced
INGREDIENTS:
peppermint leaves, chamomile flowers, vanilla rooibos, and lemongrass
TASTING NOTES:
refreshing ∙ vanilla sweetness ∙ subtle floral notes ∙ comforting
BREW TIPS:
prepare with spoonful of honey or unsweetened and serve hot
INGREDIENTS:
rooibos, cinnamon, and natural vanilla flavor
TASTING NOTES:
creamy ∙ dessert-like ∙ subtle cinnamon kick
BREW TIPS:
prepare with spoonful of honey, a dash of cream, and serve iced
MOUNTAIN SUNRISE
INGREDIENTS:
green rooibos tea, marigold flowers, orange peels, mango pieces, and natural flavors
TASTING NOTES:
fruit-forward ∙ subtle nuttiness ∙ fresh
BREW TIPS:
prepare with spoonful of honey and serve iced
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