Many of us have been able to do at least some of our work from home over recent years. As the internet became a vital part of people’s everyday lives, working from home became part of our reality.
However, the COVID-19 pandemic forced some of us into working from home full-time. In addition, many of us are homeschooling our children. States across the country have shuttered educational facilities to slow down the spread of coronavirus.
If you struggle to balance your schedule while working from home and homeschooling at the same time, you’re not alone.
Below is a list of important steps you should consider in order to make your home life easier. Finding a balance is especially important if education officials in your state don’t plan to open schools in the fall.
5 Tips to Help Balance Working from Home & Homeschooling;
- Create a Routine and Stick to It
- Rely on To-Do Lists
- Wake Up Early!
- Encourage Your Children to Play Independently
- Make Time to Relax and Enjoy the Extra Time with Your Children
1. Create a Routine and Stick to It
Nothing is harder on kids than a disordered schedule. Kids need a routine as much as they need attention.
Parents who have difficulties setting up a routine will notice, sooner or later, that their children become moody. Additionally, they are less likely to absorb their school lessons.
Sit down with your partner and write down a schedule that works for everyone in the family.
First, set up uninterrupted work time for you and your partner. Next, establish time to sit down with the children to go over their school assignments. Finally, schedule fun time for you and your kids to relax. Put the schedule up somewhere that the whole family can see it and make it happen.
2. Rely on To-Do Lists
This might sound like a redundant step. However, start writing down everything you need to do for the next day or week. You are more likely to have time for everything when you have a to-do list.
3. Wake Up Early!
Some of us need silence when working from home. With kids always around the house, silence will be the last thing you’re going to get!
When you wake up before your children, you give yourself at least an hour or two of quiet time. Use those precious quiet hours as you wish.
Relaxing might be the best use of your quiet time. You might use it to work ahead of schedule. Either way, starting your day early makes a big difference.
4. Encourage Your Children to Play Independently
Your kids might always want you to play with them, especially if they are young. However, the reality is children thrive when you allow them to play alone.
Find a few toys or play sets that will help to trigger their imagination. You will be giving your children beneficial skills that will eventually help them when they go back to school.
5. Make Time to Relax and Enjoy the Extra Time with Your Children
The stress caused by the pandemic and all the ensuing restrictions is taking a toll on many families across America. Being able to hit the pause button is essential. Enjoying time with your children will help keep you, your partner, and your kids sane through it all.
In order to achieve this, however, you need to put your phone away and not think about work. Instead, focus on your children. Listen to them, answer their questions, and be present. You will be glad you did.
