I just want to preface this post by saying that I have absolutely no idea what I'm doing when it comes to homeschooling. I am winging it like you all are. I'm hoping to post what I do with the kids for their schoolwork soon here but mostly for my own record. Maybe it'll give you some ideas?
I do, however, have a ton of experience with staying-at-home. But in no way do I want any of these corona posts to come across like I know it all. Because I fail every day, in many ways.
Welcome to my world of being at home. While this is not normal, I do get out and about as much as possible in a typical work week, I am home a ton. And have been home for 14 years. I'm used to spending many hours home and it does come as an adjustment.
When I first started staying at home with my son, I didn't hardly know anyone in my town! My husband and I both worked out of town and we barely knew our neighbors. I was in so much isolation at the time and it was very hard for me. But we gradually met some friends, I started going to some moms groups and my son had play dates. It helped me tremendously. I also had no family in town and my husband was getting his masters online at the time and so he was either at work or on the computer. Which left me the mom 98% of the time. I finally found a lady who would help watch the kids (by this time) when I needed to get out and she is our second grandma.
Many of you have heard all of this before. My point, it takes some adjustment to staying at home. You have to know your limits. I cannot stress a few things that really help when you're new to this.
1) Exercise. It's for your own mental health. Carving out a half hour for yourself is super important. Right now, you can do it with the kids because it's good for them too. Or if you'd rather, do it alone. You don't have to do boot camp or HIIT workouts and kill yourself to exercise. Walking, yoga, lots of videos on YouTube are simple ways to start. The point is to get moving and hopefully sweat a little. Do it for you.
2) Keep up your hobbies. If you like to paint or write or craft, whatever, keep doing them. Let a little creativity out. Again, you can do this with or without the kids but keep that outlet to what you enjoy.
3) Make your bed. It's like one day just leads into the other if you don't. And it sets the day as "I'm going to get sh*t done." Trust me on this one, it's imperative.
4) If you're working from home, best of luck. It's really tough, especially with little (and big!) kids around. I know, every summer, I go a little bonkers trying to manage a work schedule and also run the kids to all. the. things. It's doable but it isn't fun. If there's two of you working from home, try trading off the quiet space in the house- one goes in the morning, the other in the afternoon- to keep the kids out of that space and be able to focus.
5) I love to clean on Fridays. Because I can, and it gives me a head start on the weekend. I don't have to spend Saturday doing it when we are typically gone. It feels great to start the weekend with a clean house!
I'm sure there are lots more tips I will think of during these next few weeks. But I hope these ease you into life at home every day.