My New Routine - Working From Home With 3 Children
Obviously this isn’t the usual ‘behind-the-scenes’ type of blog post, but a look at our new ‘normal’ of working from home with 3 children whilst we navigate life through Covid-19.
I have 3 children; aged 10, 8 and 6 years. Considering the change for them, they are all adapting really well. I will say from the outset - the thought of homeschooling sends shivers down my spine. The mess, the crafts, the frustrations of trying to work through some maths homework, the noise… it’s not the life I’d choose!! Yes it was emotional sending my children off to school, but isn’t it amazing how quickly you adapt to having some peace/time/sanity back in your life?!
I’m not really a strict routine kind of person, but what I’d found over the last couple of weeks is that structure is really good for us all. We know where we’re at, what to expect and it’s helped relieve some stress.
The first thing I did when reality was hitting home that schools were closing in the UK, was to get a big chalkboard so I could write down how the days were going to look - beneficial for both me and the children. I mean, I’m sure there were some other important things I should have done first?! But this helped me feel like I had a bit of control. Every teacher needs a chalkboard, right?!
This is what our days have looked like:
7 - 9am Wake/ breakfast/ washed and dressed/ beds made
9am PE lesson with Joe Wicks on Youtube or heading out for a walk
9.30am Smoothie time
10am LESSON 1 (Usually Maths)
10.30am Call/ FaceTime to a friend (this has worked really well as a reward for them)
11am LESSON 2 (Usually English)
12pm LUNCH
1pm Audio book (David Walliams) and puzzles
2pm Live art class by Emma Scott-child (This one has become a favourite for me. For parents who think they hate craft!)
3pm Walk and post letters to friends
4pm TV and computer time
5pm Teatime
6-7pm Reading/ Play/ Bath
8pm Bed (If I have any energy left, I will do some more work in the evening, but sometimes I just have to be kind to myself and know when to stop)
My husband begins working around 6am until around 10am where we swap duties - he takes over with the children and I head off to do some work for a couple of hours. Knowing that there is that break in the day for me to tackle some work really helps me mentally. I’m finding these couple of hours so productive because I’m focussed and I know my time is limited, so I don’t waste it! In between when I know the kids are settled into something, I’m using my phone to manage little tasks.
Key apps I’m using on my phone right now:
Lightroom CC for Mobile
Unfold for Instagram Stories
Camera Connect (I transfer images over from my camera and edit them in LR mobile, using the presets I’ve synced from my main working computer. It’s so quick and easy)
Facebook (being part of a number of groups is so supportive and encouraging)
iPhone camera and video to document little moments each day
Gmail
None of us know how long we’ll be in this season for. We are taking things one day at a time. Allowing each other some space (aka hiding in the bathroom!) and trying not to put pressure on ourselves. I’ve definitely had to lower some expectations for myself. I’ve switched off some WhatsApp groups and ignore most of the emails that come through from school (maybe I shouldn’t have told you that?!). But, I am not my children’s teacher and I don’t want to pretend to be. I am doing the best I can.
I truly hope you are all ok and managing to cope with everything.
I’d love to know how you’re working from home and if you’re homeschooling too? Anything that’s particularly helping you or keeping you sane?! I’ll end with this post that’s doing the rounds on Instagram at the moment, for any parents that need to hear it:
“Parents: What we are being asked to do is not humanly possible. There is a reason we are either a working parent, a stay-at-home-parent, or a part-time working parent.
Working, parenting and teaching are 3 different jobs that cannot be done at the same time.
It’s not hard because you are doing it wrong. It’s hard because it’s too much. Do the best you can.
When you have to pick, because at some point you will, choose connection. Pick playing a game over arguing about an academic assignment. Pick teaching your child to do laundry rather than feeling frustrated they aren’t helping. Pick laughing and snuggling and reminding them they are safe.
If you are stressed, lower your expectations where you can and virtually reach out for social connection. We are in this together to stay well. That means mentally well, too.
Emily W. King