Today begins the first day of at-home schooling for many kids in Santa Fe. In many cases school will consist of completing assignments, doing the reading, etc, leaving your kids with extra time during the day. What are you going to do with your kids during the week, especially if you are working from home? How do you lessen the chaos? How do you take advantage of the opportunity that you’ve been given? SantaFe.com has some suggestions we’ve gathered from around the interwebs:
1. Keep a schedule
Schooling from home is probably new for your kids. Colorado Public Radio suggests having a schedule will help everyone stay consistent and get their work done.
2. Set your boundaries
You need time to get stuff done, too. Or maybe you need some time to disconnect with yoga or meditation. Whatever your needs, make sure your kids know you will have “do not disturb” time.
3. Get outside
We are going to have some warm days this week. Make sure you get outside for a walk, play in the dirt or whatever. Just make sure to maintain your social distance. Everyone is going stir crazy and is going to the most popular trails right now.
4. Don’t stop learning
Just because they finish their assignments in an hour doesn’t mean they should turn off their brains. Huffpost has some great free learning activities for you kids that are fun and will keep them occupied.
5. Take a virtual museum tour
This is in the same vein as the point above, but it’s worth pointing out because it’s so cool. Some of the greatest museums in the world are showcasing their amazing art for free. Take advantage of it.
6. Teach your kids some life skills
Some ideas include cooking a basic meal, changing a car tire, ironing, house cleaning and more. You’ve been given an opportunity to expand their knowledge beyond academics. Use it.
7. Set up a chore reward system
This mom has some creative ideas on keeping order in the house with a system of rewards for completed tasks.
8. Don’t feel guilty
Extra screen time is ok, even if that isn’t the norm. And realize you don’t have to have all the answers. Most of us are trying to figure it out as we go, and that’s ok. Don’t forget to tell yourself that.
9. Take care of yourself
And don’t forget to take care of yourself. Lots of people are putting virtual fitness classes online. But also make sure you’re not raiding the fridge all the time, don’t drink too much and go to sleep at a reasonable hour. Pick up that book you’ve been meaning to read.
This article was posted by Jesse Williams
