With teachers on strike until November 23, and with some participating in an indefinite general strike, many parents are suddenly managing kids at home. Parenting in such times necessitates acknowledging certain realities and adapting to this temporary situation without being overwhelmed. Here are some tips I learned from navigating a similar situation during the pandemic.
- Embrace your limitations: Juggling work and entertaining kids simultaneously aren't feasible.聽Let go of the guilt and understand that聽focusing聽on work does not mean you are聽a bad parent.聽
- Set realistic expectations: A clean home might be your preference, but with kids around, expect some clutter. Whether it's dirty dishes piling up, pencils lying around, or Lego creations on the floor, it's part of having them at home. Choose between constantly nagging for cleanliness or temporarily embracing the chaos while prioritizing a positive atmosphere.
- Stick to a routine: Consistency is key for kids. Try maintaining a similar schedule to their school routine鈥攃onsistent wake-up times, meals, and bedtime. Even allocate their usual recess time for outdoor play. And staying in PJs all day聽is a no-no, they need to get dressed!
- Rotate activities: Screen time can be a savior, but balance it out. Encourage alternating screen time with physical activity followed by a calm activity such as聽reading, drawing聽or playing board games. At our house, we follow a rule: for every 30 minutes of screen time, there's 30 minutes of outdoor play and 30 minutes of a calm activity of their choice. .
- Embrace shortcuts: There are only 24 hours in a day. You can't do it all. Consider buying pre-made meals or allowing for simpler options like Kraft Dinner for lunch. It's okay to take shortcuts.
- Seek support: Asking for help comes in various forms. Seek assistance from family members to watch the kids or help with聽chores. Arrange playdates with other parents or neighbors. Check with your local library if they offer free activities for kids.聽I swapped books and games with a friend temporarily, giving my kids 'new' things to play with at zero extra cost.
- Manage emotions: When irritation or frustration hits, remember, emotions typically last around 90 seconds. Set a timer or count to 90; this pause helps dissipate the initial reaction, empowering you to choose a calm response to the situation.
In the whirlwind of managing children at home while working, remember: you're doing the best you can! Adaptability, patience, and self-compassion are key. By acknowledging limitations, embracing the reality of chaos, and implementing practical strategies, you can navigate this challenging period more smoothly.
