Like hundreds of thousands of kids (or even more) being home starting this week, a lot of parents are panicking on how can we juggle work and kids. It is a huge stress for many parents. The night before, I had setup my dining table for the girls as their work station. To keep their daily routine uninterrupted, we had a meeting with the girls the night before to go over their school schedule. We came up with a schedule that they must follow from 8:30am – 3pm. Here is what their schedule looks like (its subject to change as this is totally new to me):

We cannot stop our daily lives from what’s going on. Everyone including myself and kids need a regular norm. Nothing can stop us. I’ve been telling the girls this: “Mommy works from home most of the time so now they will have to do the same for time being. They will have to learn to adjust to do whatever they can from school at home until things died down. Just pretend you are sitting in school but at home environment. Nothing should change. I will assign your school work daily on the table and you will have to learn to follow the schedule we agreed on.”

Honestly, my little do not understand what that meant for her and everyone in this house. Day 1 was a transition period. Thank goodness for O to help guide her sister throughout the day. My big helper got me through the day by following the schedule hourly and see what to do next.

Tips:

• Be stern about the schedule. If 12pm is lunch, make sure its consistent everyday.
• My method schedule is probably good for kids 8 years old and over. I don’t anticipate kids younger to be to follow.
• Instead of following exact school schedule as we do not have the bell like school to remind them, make it easier for elementary school kids go by the hour. Teach them to read the first digit on the clock. This will help big time.
• Its extra work for parents but plan ahead the night before, print or setup anything and lay it out on their “desk” in preparation for next day. Whether it is math sheets, books, etc.
• DO NOT change their “school” hours to do anything outside school work as they will think that’s allow. Things like watch tv, FaceTime friends, play, etc. These are not allowed and must let them know after school they can do so.