← Back to blog

Parenting During Quarantine

Parenting during Quarantine
With nationwide school cancellations many parents are struggling to keep life at home on track. Here are some ideas to help make it a bit less hectic:

 

1. Establish a daily routine.

This will help create stability for everyone at home. Getting dressed, eating breakfast, and brushing teeth every morning are simple things that help put kids in a positive mindset (and if you’re working from home, can help you get more done). A lot of teachers and school counselors have shared ideas for building a daily schedule. Here’s a basic template with some ideas that you can use to build something that works for your family:

  • Before 9 a.m.: Wake up – eat breakfast, make the bed, get dressed, brush your teeth
  • 9 a.m. – 10 a.m.: Get active – take a family walk with the dog, do a yoga routine, or check out this kid friendly PE alternative.
  • 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.: Academic time – Sudoku books, flash cards, study guide, journal, reading
  • 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.: Creative time – Legos, magnatiles, drawing, coloring books, crafting, playing music, cooking or baking
  • 12 p.m.: Lunch
  • 12:30 p.m.: Chore time – a) wipe kitchen table and all chairs, b) wipe all door handles, light switches, and desk tops, c) wipe bathrooms
  • 1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.: Quiet time – reading, puzzles, nap
  • 2:30 p.m. – 4 p.m.: Academic time – iPad games, Prodigy, educational show
  • 4 p.m. – 5 p.m.: Afternoon fresh air – walk a dog, ride bikes, play outside
  • 5 p.m. – 6 p.m.: Dinner
  • 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.: Free TV time
  • 8 p.m.: Bedtime
  • 9 p.m.: Bedtime – all kids who follow the daily schedule and don’t fight

2. Set aside some time each day for study.

Math and reading are particularly important. There are a lot of free resources out there for kids and teens to learn right now. Here are a few to check out:
  • Khan Academy is a free resource that offers online learning and recommended schedules for every grade level.
  • Age of Learning has made their popular programs ABCMouse, Adventure Academy, and ReadingIQ free during this time.
  • EdHelper is a great resource for printable worksheets for kids to do during academic time.
  • Scholastic has made their Learn at Home program free during this time, with resources from Pre-K to Grade 9.
  • Adventure2Learning is offering families 2 months for free using code Learn60 on the check out page.
  • Rosetta Stone is giving kids and teens 3 months of language learning for free so they can keep up on their language skills.

3. Check in with your kids.

Make sure to chat with your kids to see if they have questions or worries. Some kids may have unfounded fears they are internalizing that you can calm with a compassionate conversation. Being out of school and away from their friends is likely pretty scary or might make kids feel uncertain. Connect with other parents and see if your kids can chat on the phone or video chat to keep connected while school is closed.

 

4. Create a bucket list.

Together as a family make a list of activities and projects you can do. Maybe bake a dessert they have always wanted to try, make the perfect paper airplane, or study up on star constellations and find them in the night sky? Be sure you don’t do everything on the list in one day. Save some for later. Pinterest is a great place to start looking for ideas together.