1. Schedule and routine - with 2 full time working teachers at home, and a high school student and a grade 6 student learning at home we've had to make sure we have a routine. We've made sure everyone has their "space" to work in and a quiet spot for Zoom meetings. Sometimes we have 4 Zoom meetings happening at one time in our house! We make sure we get up at the same time each day and start the work/learning day at the same time. We all have a plan for the day and we know what needs to get done before we embark on the day. Knowing what needs to be accomplished and when things need to be accomplished by are key to us making sure everything gets done that needs to get done.
2. Breaks - Scheduling breaks throughout the day helps us to keep some balance in the day and also gives us a chance to connect with each other. During my breaks I go for a short walk outside to get some fresh air and sunshine, I check in with my son and make sure he is staying on track, and say a quick hello to my husband since it is easy for us to work all day and forget to even acknowledge each other. I also make sure to check in with my teenage daughter. Since she's completely independent with her schedule and school work, the whole day can go by without even seeing her so it's important to me to make sure I don't forget about her and make sure she's doing okay. I also make sure we have a healthy snack and take time to eat lunch during the day. This is easy to forget when you don't have a scheduled lunch break and a packed lunch, like when we are at out of the house at work and school.
3. Exercise - This one was has been pretty easy for me to maintain. I always workout or exercise regularly and so does my husband. It's an important value to both of us so I knew that even though our gyms closed we'd still find a way. I like to go for regular walks, hikes and runs, or get out on my bike. We do online boot camp and fitness classes that our gyms are providing and we create family boot camps that we all enjoy together. The kids have actually started enjoying going for hikes which is something I am quite excited about!
4. Family Night Connection - During normal times we are like many other families and we have activities scheduled every single night. My daughter has dance classes, my son plays hockey and soccer and does parkour, my husband does Wing Chun and I am at the gym doing class or teaching spin. So, when everything got cancelled we made a new plan so that we would have something to look forward to at the end of each day and give us a chance to connect with each other. on Sundays we have a family meeting and make the plan for the week. Mondays are family fitness night where we all exercise together and we take turns planning the activity, Tuesday is game night, Wednesday is drive-thru night, Thursday nights we all read together and Friday is movie night. The kids and my husband each pick a night to cook with me in the kitchen and they pick the meal they want to prepare. Our evening routine has been my very favourite. I love our connection time and it gives us all something to look forward to after working hard all day. Plus, it adds a bit more structure and routine to the day too. And, it also prevents everyone from retreating to their rooms and watching Netflix all night.
5. Mental Health Check - I also have to make sure I take care of my mental health and make sure that the kids do too. All of the above things help with mental health, but we also add in time to meditate or listen to a guided meditation, take some time for ourselves, listening to music or just relaxing and watching some TV. I take time to bake and have enjoyed baking with my son since we've started staying home. I've even found some time to paint and try some new creative ideas. So much change in our daily lives and uncertainty about what's to come, can take its toll so it's important to be mindful of this and stay on top of your mental well-being.
So these are the things that are working for us right now. We are in a nice little groove and we've created a new normal for our family. Not to say that we don't still struggle with getting bored and tired of being home. When that happens, we try to mix things up a little and try something new!
Thanks for reading. I hope you are all staying healthy and happy.
Sincerely,
Meaghan