You may have found yourself suddenly surrounded by kids and their presence and needs are a bit overwhelming. As adults, we can take a few deep breaths and strategize how to make the best of a tough situation. Here are a few ideas to help:
Be realistic. Remind yourself that this homebound learning situation might be a temporary assignment and it will end. You likely won’t be doing this until your kids graduate, so keep a level head. Also, remember that the kids don’t need to arrive at the end of this home learning experience having solved graduate-level algebra problems. (It’s ok if they do!) They just need to keep their brains engaged and try to do their assignments.
Be strategic. When a kitchen is within arm’s reach at all hours of the day, frequent snacking is bound to happen. If your kids are anything like mine, they will suddenly be hungry each hour. To curb the waterfall of cups in the sink and pesky requests for food, assign each kid a spot, basket, bowl, or some other way to let them know it’s theirs. (Use their school lunch box if you have to!) Each morning, fill their basket with whatever snacks they will be allowed to have that day. Include a cup or water bottle. They will have a better idea of what is available without interrupting your Zoom call to ask for Goldfish.
Be considerate. When the days feel unending and tiresome, remember the kids probably aren’t happy about this homebound learning either. They likely miss their schedules, friends, and space. Consider extending extra grace for one another, looking past the occasional rude comment and realize everyone is stretching. Perhaps give a bit more screen time, make an extra dessert, and dig out those time-eating crafts from the back of the closet you’ve been avoiding. (If your kids enjoy crafting, use up those boxes of random supplies to make cards for the neighbors and drop them in mailboxes to ensure healthy social distancing.)
Let’s do this, moms and dads, grandparents, and all aunts and uncles! We can band together to keep these kids healthy and protect those we love. When we get to the end of this season of homebound learning, we will be stronger, wiser, and thankful for all the adults in our kids’ lives.
Global Student Network offers a variety of online learning solutions and curriculum to help with any grade level. Learn more at www.GlobalStudentNetwork.com.
Lindsay Banton is a caffeinated mother to three great kids. She never expected to homeschool, but has found that it is a wonderful addition to their lifestyle and wouldn’t change it for the world. In addition to homeschooling, Lindsay works alongside her husband in campus ministry at a large university in Connecticut. She grew up in Virginia but has settled into life in New England, learning to love the long winters, cool springs, green summers and gorgeous autumns- and has built a boot collection to meet all the demands. She is currently blogging at www.lindsaybanton.com.