How will you remember life during COVID-19 and the #stayathome movement?
My experience includes three kids with me, and nowhere to go. At the beginning, it was easy to get caught up in our pyjamas all day, staying up late (usually watching movies), sleeping in late (because sleeping kids are blissful and I enjoy the quiet) and ultimately losing track of time.
This had me feeling like I was living in limbo, with an increasing lack of productivity. Next thing I know, the kids were always over-tired, temperamental and things quickly started to tailspin out of control. I would soon be expected to supplement my eldest child’s classroom learning with at home lessons via Google classroom. My 6 year old would now depend on me to teach her along with everything else.
So here’s what I did:
1. I ditched the pyjamas.
Get dressed everyday. It seems so insignificant but staying in the same clothes you slept lets laziness linger. Changing out of your nighties and into an outfit for the day (even if it’s track pants and a t-shirt) gets you into the right mindset for a productive day.
2. I snapped back into a schedule.
It keeps the kids and myself on point and efficient throughout the day.
Tips on creating a schedule for your family:
- Be consistent with the time you wake up and go to sleep everyday. With young kids, I block off a morning and bedtime routine, an hour each, everyday on my Google calendar. (I live by my Google calendar so you’ll hear me reference it a lot!!!)
- Set aside time to prepare and eat all of your meals each day. Mealtimes should be as consistent as possible.
3. I started strategizing my day the night before.
This means anticipating the needs of everyone while outlining what the day will look like.
Tips on strategizing your schedule:
- Start the day strong with breakfast and stimulating activities
- Gradually wind down your day after dinner to prepare a bedtime routine that will get the kids to bed easier
- Mimicking a school day is not necessary but can help with providing structure for kids (breakfast, activity, morning snack, activity, lunch, free play, afternoon snack, etc.)
- Block off nap time or “quiet time” for everyone in the house. Since my baby and toddler need naps after lunch, quiet time is scheduled for my 6-year-old and I while they sleep.
4. I allowed for flexibility.
From temper tantrums to burning dinner, disastrous days are inevitable. Make room in your day-to-day schedule for the unexpected.
Tips for being flexible while being productive:
- Leave an open buffer space between all events in your schedule to accommodate an unexpected meltdown or cleaning up a potty training mishap
- Try to limit the things that need to get done in your day. Over crowding your schedule is setting yourself up for a fail. Be realistic about what can get done and how long it will take.
- Incorporate 1 thing on your “to-do” list at a time. Everyone feels good being able to check something off a list and focusing on 1 item at a time is less overwhelming.
- On days that turn out a total bust and nothing gets done – avoid being hard on yourself, remind yourself of something good in your day, get a good night’s rest and try again tomorrow.
5. I added in time for my health.
It is important to make self-care a priority now more than ever. Putting your health on the back burner is never a good idea.
Tips for scheduling your health:
- Block off time to grocery shop, prep and cook your meals. Limit take-out for occasional purposes.
- There are apps that will send you notifications reminding you in timed intervals to drink your water. Perfect for mom-brains.
- Prioritize physical activity. Whether you’re going for a walk or jumping around with the kids. It stimulates endorphins and keeps you happy and feeling good.
- Find time for social connection. It’s so important and even though we are required to be physically distant with others, there are ways to still make a connection with others online or by phone and video call.
- Make room for solo time each day. Quiet relaxation or taking part in an enjoyed activity helps to sustain you mentally.