The pandemic has brought on a role most of us probably never thought we’d have to fill: homeschooling! For the great majority of parents, the task of taking on our children’s education has presented a number of challenges. Perhaps the greatest one is a question: am I destined to fail?
The answer is: of course not! Even though this is new territory, and balancing work and family life is one of the most complex obstacles anyone can face, rest assured that you are capable and qualified to make this work.
Here are a few tips to get you on the path to success:
- Create a schedule, and stick to it – Try using a to-do list or a large calendar posted on your wall that’s accessible to everyone in the home. Set aside time for working, teaching, and even fun to keep everyone focused on doing one thing at a time. This will not only help you out but also create stability for your kids, making them feel secure and empowering them with clear expectations and boundaries.
- Divide and Conquer – All things are better with teamwork! If your spouse also works from home, consider working a split schedule to allow one parent to focus on schooling, while the other is working. If you think it’s feasible, you can also ask your boss about adjusting your schedule to facilitate more flexibility. Figure out what works for you, and then stick to it.
- Keep Your Kids Involved and Empowered- Making them accountable for various aspects and logistics will only serve them well later in life and help them understand how much you’re taking on to manage all of this. That understanding will help alleviate tension and fights within the household.
- Embrace the Chaos – There’s no getting around it, you can’t get through life without some trials and tribulations! And that’s ok, because you’ll be stronger for it. Our advice? Look for humor in every stressful situation, and make laughter your medicine. A fringe benefit of this is instilling resilience in your children, a most imperative trait!
- Appreciate the Little Wins – No one’s life is devoid of high and lows, but if you can honor and focus on the little blessings and carve out small moments of gratitude on even your toughest days, you’ll find that the lows start resonating less heavily. Put a positive spin on any situation! Overwhelmed by having to juggle work and home duties? Remember that time with your children, even if it’s chaotic, is a precious gift. Parenting is the most difficult role any of us can take on, but there is no doubt that it is also the most rewarding.
- Make Time For You – This doesn’t always have to be a grand affair, but even little gestures to yourself can go a long way. An early morning neighborhood stroll, reading that book you’ve had on your list for months, listening to some peaceful music, or just doing something for yourself. If you care for yourself first, it will only increase your capacity and effectiveness for caring for others.
- Talk to God – Remember the serenity prayer? “God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference.” truer words were never spoken! Do the things that you can, and leave all those you ‘can’t’ to God.
Through the good, the bad and everything in between one thing is certain: you will get through all of it! Keep perspective, stay positive and cherish this wonderful, wack time together with your loved ones. You’re doing a great job, and we’re all in this together!
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