Working From Home With Kids During COVID19 Quarantine Period

Things went left really fast over the past couple of weeks because of the Coronavirus also known as COVID19. We have seen more positive cases and unfortunately a rise in deaths across the world. Curfews were set, people were asked to work remotely, and there were many closures including schools, daycare centers, bars, restaurants, and more.

I think we must be mindful of how we can get warped into the realm of chaos, uncertainty, and confusion. These are catalysts for anxiety, worry, fear, and even depression. Mental health is not just another buzz word. It’s real, and no one is exempt. On the first day of the quarantine, I felt like I was losing control. I realized through meditation, prayer, and deep thought, I wasn’t losing control, I was giving it away. I decided to take my control back. After a long day of balancing the kids, household, and many virtual meetings and work, I took a hot shower. My showers don’t last more than five minutes, especially if my husband is at work. This time, I showered for about 10 minutes, which as I mentioned is long for me. I then laid very still on our bed and meditated for 10 minutes. Then I prayed. This really helped to refocus my energy and thoughts. I used the tips below to help me manage the day while working from home with kids.

Here are eight tips to help you manage your day while working from home with kids:

1. Minimize Social Media and Television – The one thing I have learned over the past couple of weeks is that hysteria is very contagious. Throughout the day, do your best to not get swept into the panic of the day, usually channeled through various platforms from the media. I am not saying to be oblivious of the world’s happenings, but try to minimize what you expose your mind too. Joyce Meyers will always say the battlefield is of the mind, and I truly believe this. Protect your mind!

2. Maintain Your Fitness – This is a hard one for me! Every day looks so different and one size does not fit all. Do what works best for you and your family. You may have to tailor the time and routines to suit, but try to exercise at least three times a week for 30 minutes each. For me, it helps to know what I have planned for the day, meetings included. I can then either go all out in my fitness session or scale back a little to preserve my energy for the day AND the kids. Either way, try to maintain your fitness not only for your physical health but also for your mental health. Exercise is said to improve mental health by reducing anxiety, depression, and negative moods and improves self-esteem and cognitive function.

3. Get Ahead Of The Day – I try to get most of the housework done early in the morning so that I can focus on the day ahead. It’s not always feasible, but I do aim for this. I give the kids a bath early in the morning after breakfast, so that I wouldn’t have to do it during the day. You never know how your day can unfold, especially if you are in the communications field there’s no guarantee the day will go as planned.

4. Structure and Routine – Jasia’s school is offering remote schooling. What does that mean? Well, the teacher emails us a list of links with stories, songs, and worksheets. However, being born in the Caribbean, we are all about academics. I used a poster board to plan her day with input from her. I tried to keep the schedule similar to the one she has at school. The fewer disruptions to her routine, the better. Maintaining a similar structure is key. She has time for utilizing her workbook, playtime, lunchtime, nap time, craft or creative session, snack time, and reading. I also added ABCmouse and YouTube time, one in the middle of the day, and the other one closer to the end of the day. Be sure to change it up a bit. Kids’ attention span is short and they can get bored easily. Jaxon’s routine pretty much meshes into hers. He has feeding, playtime, sleep time and I read to him as well. Having this structure and routine, not only helps the kids but also helps yourself. It provides a map of the day so I can manage emails, planning, conference calls, and virtual meetings during certain pockets of time that may work best.

5. Be Realistic With Your Expectations – Listen, you can plan all you want, but every day is not going to look the same. That’s the reality of the situation. Be realistic about your expectations and be a little bit more patient and understanding with yourself and the kids. You may not get everything completed on yours or the kids’ to-do list. Let’s not even mention housework. Guess what? That’s ok! You will eventually wash the dishes, or cook dinner, or even get to that email. Don’t try to overextend yourself to the point where you are stretched too thin. Be sure to discuss expectations while working from home with your boss so they also get a clearer picture of your day-to-day life. A household with a mom working from home with kids looks very different than a household with someone working from home with no kids.

6. Dress Up Once Or Twice During the Week – There’s nobody who loves a good robe or PJs more than me. However, my mom would always say, “Dressing up makes you feel like a new woman!” Try it! I’m not saying to wear 6-inch heels at your computer desk at home, but dress up a little once or twice a week. See how it makes you feel. I usually feel more uplifted, engaged, and ready to take on the day. It also helps create boundaries. Even though everyone’s workday may look very different, it must eventually come to an end. Dressing up may help you differentiate between work and personal time.

7. Take A Moment To Have Fun – We aren’t robots and neither are our kids. Take a moment to have fun. Have a dance contest, bake brownies, or play a fun board game. You know your kids best and know what they like and dislike. Think about it! Their schedules have changed if you weren’t home-schooling already. You are now present throughout their day. They would still want “mommy time,” which is simply spending precious time with them. Isn’t this what we always feel guilty about when we go to work, not spending enough time with them? Well, now here’s our chance. Have fun with them! Create new and lasting memories!

8. End The Day Right – Whether it’s meditation or a long bath with wine and candles, you must do something for you. End the day by unwinding and detaching from the workday in your own favorite way.

Be sure to check up on others. When you think that you are struggling or suffering, there is always someone in struggling more than you.

What have you been doing while working from home with kids?

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