Thoughts, Suggestions, and Ideas for Parents

Thoughts, Suggestions, and Ideas for Parents

     We've got this! We can do this! A few weeks, or months from now, we will all be able to reflect on this time in our lives and history, and realize that we made it. We can all take this time given to us and put it to good use. Welcome this opportunity to reconnect with your family, get some of those chores done that you never get the time to do, or find a new hobby.

     The last several days, I have read many articles from the CDC and World Health Organization. Yes, we need to take this seriously. As someone with a compromised immune system, and older parents with severe compromised immune systems, I will take all precautions. But, don't panic. Follow all guidelines, don't hoard things, and reach out to help those who do need it.

     As a teacher whose school has been closed for the next few weeks, I want to offer some suggestions to our parents and caregivers that may help. Most of this information comes from articles and posts that I've read, but I thought it would be good to gather some of the best ideas into one place. Let's start with just one idea...schedules.

     Believe it or not, most kids do like schedules. I can tell you that when our schedule at school changes, all heck breaks out! So, create a schedule for your kids, and yourself. Our school is just starting our Spring Break, so I would let the kiddos have a few days of just some down time. They were expecting it anyway. This gives them time to focus on fun, ignore the chaos and panic (they do see it), and gives you time to come up with something that works for your family. Whether you are able to be home with your kids or not, a schedule can help keep them on track, out of some trouble, and keep your home from falling down around you. This is one example that I found and am sharing. 

Article  click for link

     Personally, I would LOVE to see more unscheduled time for things that challenge your kids' creative thinking and much less screen time!!

** If my own kids were still little, I would absolutely use the idea of, "You get the WiFi password once chores and schoolwork are finished." **

Updated: At Home Ideas (Old Summer Ideas paper that I updated!)  click for link

Things to Do   click for link

Don't forget to create a schedule for you! Write down ONE thing you want to accomplish each day, that is not in your ordinary routine, and do it. My fish appreciated getting their 50 gallon tank cleaned yesterday!

Let me know how Creating a Schedule goes for your family! I will add more thoughts, suggestions, and ideas over the next few days.

Make the most of this time that has been given to you! We've Got This!