Schools are closed. Activities are canceled. We’re supposed to practice “social distancing.” And our kids seem to have more energy than ever before! How are parents expected to maintain their mental health as we take measures to protect our physical health? There’s certainly no perfect way to handle school closures, but here are eight tips that might help:

1. Set expectations

This seems to be a general rule of thumb where small children are concerned, as they do better when they know what to expect. We’ve tried to set up the expectation that, while we don’t have school and work, this isn’t a vacation. Rather, consider this time to be home school. We’re going to follow a school-like schedule. Mom and Dad still have to work and can’t play all the time. And I’m setting the expectation for myself that this isn’t going to go perfectly, it’s going to be a challenge, and the kids will need constant reminders!

2. Get your Google on

I’m thankful that we have the internet in these trying times, as it provides a wealth of ideas with respect to activities for kids. I plan to spend time every night getting ideas for the next day, next week, next month (!). Look for science experiments, art projects, indoor games, exercises, yoga poses, recipes for kids, educational apps, TV shows, etc. 

3. Stick to a schedule…

Schools have schedules for a reason! Kids stay on task, and they do better when they know what’s expected of them (see #1, above). You can create the schedule or you can ask kids for their input. Post the schedule so they know what they are supposed to be doing and what’s coming next. Our schedule for our first day at home included: morning meeting, music, writing, snack time, choice time, lunch, outdoor recess, reading, and dinner, followed by our normal bedtime routine. 

4. …but be flexible

I had planned for only an hour of outdoor recess in our schedule, but we ended up staying outside for almost two and a half. Some things will go better than you expect, and in that case, I say roll with it! And if things go worse than you had hoped, be prepared to scrap those plans and move on.

5. Get outside

My kids do much better if they have the chance to move their bodies and work on gross motor skills. I plan to take them outside two to three times a day to dig in the dirt, stomp in puddles, ride bikes or scooters, play with the hose, practice sports, etc. 

6. Do some spring cleaning

With extended time at home due to school closures, we now have an opportunity to do those things for which we can never seem to find the time. We’re planning to go through each kid’s closet and store things that are now too small. We’ll bring up the next size of clothes from the basement for my toddler. All the toys my kids are too old for will be bagged for later donation. And since we’ve got nothing but time, the kids can practice sweeping, washing dishes, and vacuuming!

7. Relax rules around screen time

Our screen time rules are pretty strict, but I have a feeling they’re about to go out the window! I anticipate we’ll resort to turning on the TV when my husband or I need to get work done, or if we just need a mental break. The iPad will likely be used for learning games — or just-for-fun games. In these times of social distancing, FaceTime or Skype calls are a great way to maintain social connections or check in on those who may feel increasingly isolated.

8. Recognize when you need a break

Most of us aren’t used to being home ALL DAY with our kids, much less for days or weeks at a time. It takes a lot out of you, so it’s important to recognize when you need a break. If you have a partner at home with you, make sure you both are communicating when you’ve hit a wall. If you are solo parenting, mandatory rest time or screen time might work for you. 

Parents, what else are you doing to maintain your mental health during this era of school closures? Share your ideas with us!

 

Rachel Wilson
Rachel is a native of the West Coast and didn't know that her straight hair could frizz until she made the move East! After earning a Master of Environmental Management from Yale, she moved to Boston for a job opportunity and, on her first Saturday night in the city, met the man who would become her husband. They married in 2012 and are learning more every day about how to be parents to daughters Annabel (2013) and Eleanor (2016). Rachel and her family recently relocated from Charlestown to the Metrowest suburbs and are enjoying their yard, but dislike shoveling snow from their driveway. Rachel currently works as an energy and environmental consultant, and wore Birkenstocks before they were trendy. Likes: her family, her in-laws, cooking ambitious meals and leaving the dishes for someone else, hiking, running, yoga, climbing mountains, reading books, farmers' markets and her CSA, dark chocolate peanut butter cups, the sound of her daughters' laughter, and coffee Dislikes: running out of milk, New England winters, diaper rash, wastefulness, cell phones at the dinner table