5 Tips FOR Life at Home: Work, Family + School all in one

Life is back in session . . .  well, kind of.  It’s no secret that Covid-19 has come through like a tsunami turning our easy day to day tasks into extensive missions. From how we choose to shop to how we socialize, everything has changed. Not to mention how we work, go to school, and our interaction with our family. All of this has been overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be with these five tips.

Tip 1: Evaluate Where You (& your family) are! 
The best way to find a solution to chaos is to first figure out where the problem lies. As kids start to go back to school, virtually, figuring out how to manage both work and school while at home will be huge. First day jitters are expected as both you and your child ‘get back’ to a form of normalcy with school. Allow both your child(ren) and yourself grace as you both embark on this journey together. It will be the key to your success. This experience is new for both of you, and there isn’t any rule book to play by. Allow time for your child to get acclimated to a new routine and assess how you can help them achieve the best way possible.
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Tip 2: Create a routine
Being that we are now in the same space looking at the same four-walls relentlessly, there needs to be scheduled transitions. From work and school to dinner and homework to family time, planning family time will be key to circumventing a stagnant work/school and bed cycle. Everything happening in the same space can be overwhelming, allow room for you to be “at home” or make it feel as close to home as possible. For those who have an after-hours attachment to the office, completely detaching from the workplace is necessary. You and your family will need a time that you are just with family. Not to mention, being at work from home around the clock will cause you to have a personal burn out. Take everything in stride, and if it cant be done in a well-balanced environment, it doesn’t need to happen. 

Tip 3: Allow room for alone time 
In a typical family setting, being involved in your children’s every waking moment from school drop-offs, soccer practice, homework, and family dinner is usual. However, some of those external social outlets will be limited this fall. Kids more than likely will have a hard adjustment to not seeing their friends one on one, and frustration will arise. Allow time for them to have their alone time to process how they feel and really ‘escape’ all that is continually happening around them. This will also allow you the opportunity to do the same. Take that much-needed bath, catch up on your reality tv, or have a glass of wine. TAKE A BREAK!
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Tip 4: Go Outside! 
Now, this can be controversial for a number of reasons; however, being outside allows for separation and fresh air. Be sure to activate your family and yourself to keep both of you fit and allow yourself another outlet. As we look forward to winter, take advantage of late summer nights we still have and go camping, have a bonfire, or go for a long hike while staying 6ft away from others! 

​Tip 5: Check-In! 
A considerable part of this whole process will be you mental fitness. Every day there seems to be new storms arising in different areas, and you will need to handle it in the best way possible. Living, creating, and learning in one space will overwhelm anyone, so taking time to check in on your mental status will be very important for you and your family. Take time weekly to allow everyone to express themselves, if that’s crying, yelling, or just needing a hug to allow room for that. There are so many emotions that we deal with on a typical day that will be just as extreme as our circumstances this fall. Take time to tend to those emotions as they are valid and worth sharing. Remember to find a little bit of grace for you and your family all the while.