I've cut back on work to be with them while my husband works full-time from home. It's been worth it, but of course not without its challenges! Here are some truths I've realised so far on the journey.
1. Spending time with God at the beginning and end of each day has been key. I’ve needed to draw strength from him for every single moment of the day. It's good to remember that he has a purpose for us even in the mundane, he’s bigger than this world, greater than fear and uncertainty and is always attentive to our prayers.
2.This can be a very positive time. Less rushing around, no tight timelines to get dressed, out the door, etc.
3. Pockets of time exist. Every night I now put together a list of 5-min tasks or activities for me for the following day.
This helps me do something constructive when the kids are busy with something else and my brain goes blank, usually from exhaustion. On the same note, don’t just plan activities for the kids. Write down 1-2 bigger things you want to achieve in the week. Stick to 1-2 things. Don’t get over ambitious!
4. Dress like it’s a normal day. You feel less like a slob.
5. The house will get messy. This is normal. There are people in it. All.The.Time. Keep up the kids’ clean up routines as much as possible. My own usual cleaning schedule isn't really happening right now, except for the washing up. That's the one thing I can't go to bed without finishing, for my own sanity's sake. Beyond that, I give 15mins a day (or two) to one area of the house. This makes me feel productive. Sometimes the kids get involved. 15mins then turn into 30mins! But, it is cleaner by the end of it! Not a model to follow, but, bottom line is, let's do what works for the whole family without making life even harder in this time.
6. The more we are in the vicinity of the kitchen, the more we want to snack. Step away from the kitchen. Keeping active, exercising, staying in the garden, or opening up the windows to bring the outdoors in really changes the mood and helps distract me from well, boredom and food.
6. The more we are in the vicinity of the kitchen, the more we want to snack. Step away from the kitchen. Keeping active, exercising, staying in the garden, or opening up the windows to bring the outdoors in really changes the mood and helps distract me from well, boredom and food.
7. Have some structure. Time schedules might work for older age groups. I naïvely made a multi-coloured day schedule for my 2- and 4-year-old. It wasn’t worth the paper I wrote it on! But a rough structure has been vital for us, e.g. breakfast routine, Bible story, outdoor time, reading, exercise, clean-up. But keep expectations low. It will not be an alternative to a school day. You also won't do each type of activity every day. Spending time together, being silly, learning life skills, watching how you react when things go wrong are some of the most valuable things these little ones can learn from us in this time.
8. Apologise when you lose your head and snap at your family. It happens to the best of us!
9. If pre-school sends worksheets and activites, it's worth investing a bit of time ahead of time (without restless kiddies jumping up and down) to pick some ideas and have them ready for the day. I go blank when it comes to spontaneous educational activities for the kids. Having material that they are familiar with and telling them their teacher sent it motivates them immensely! Talking regularly about their teachers, friends and school activities has helped bring some much-needed continuity to their new lifestyle.
10. The kids may not be able to put it into words, but they’re also feeling the monotony of bring cooped up away from their little friends. Be compassionate and cut them some slack
11. At the same time, stick to the usual discipline rules, even when it’s inconvenient to interrupt what you’re doing for the fifth time. No exceptions, otherwise they will push all your buttons! They have the time to now!
12. This one has been said repeatedly with regards to info on COVID-19, but worth saying again: stay away from panicky news channels and sites. Stick to the facts and actual medical sources where possible. Only check them once or twice a day. No extra stress needed.
13. Keep in touch with others in the same boat, who have been there or are about to be in the same boat.
14. Video call family and friends and check how they are coping. I often mean to keep in touch more when life is normal, but get to the end of a busy work day and forget. Now is the chance!
We won’t get this time again (let’s hope!). Let's make it count with few regrets!