Whether you’re reading this amid the Coronavirus stay at home orders, or it’s just time for summer break, you know that time with the family can be wonderful, but it can also be a challenge. Having all the children at home the whole day, for weeks on a row, can present a wide variety of problems. How can you cope with your children at home? There are a few things you can do to not only cope, but also enjoy your time with the children.
Be flexible.
We know this is easier said than done, but the reality is that sometimes plans have to be changed. The weather might be bad (or too good to stay inside), one of the kids might have a slight cold, etc. When possible, don’t be rigid with your schedule. Re-arrange things within the week. If you don’t get all of the laundry done today- there will be time tomorrow. There’s a really good show they want to watch this morning? Let them watch, and focus on educational activities in the afternoon instead.
Let the children work with you.
Give them a few small chores to take care of during the summer break. In this way, you finish your work quicker, and it also takes away the extra work that comes from everybody being around. It is not too much for most children to make their beds, wash dishes, or take out the bin. Usually, children also like having responsibilities.
Go outside to play.
A bit of fresh air could do you all some good. Going to the park or field, letting the children run and play will make them more relaxed around the house. Those legs need running! If the weather is bad, maybe you can go to a playground in a mall or get some activity in at another indoor place. It’s better than staying in the house the whole day.
Plan different activities.
Oftentimes, children need guidance as to what to do with their time. Prepare a few things they can do and buy the stuff needed: watercolors, paper, glue, coloring books. There are several good activity books for different ages. Making cookies, or fixing a meal is also a great activity, which can be done together. Don’t give them everything in the first week of summer break though. Try to save activities for when they are bored and can’t think of anything to do on their own.
Have a routine.
The whole family is used to having a routine, going to school, and work. While we need a bit of rest during the summer break, it is still beneficial to implement some kind of routine so that we can maintain some level of normalcy and not go stir crazy. What time will the meals be served? Are you going somewhere? Which day is laundry-day? Shopping? Writing it all down on a paper or board can help everybody know how the day looks like. You can also put time aside for yourself in this way.
With a bit of planning, having your children at home can be a little less stressful, and hopefully, bring you all closer together. Take deep breaths, and just remember that this time is going to pass by before you know it. Though it may be hard at times, try to make the most of it, and enjoy it as much as possible.
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