Faced with continuing to work at home with your kids who are still crisis schooling? Wondering how to manage it all well and not lose your mind? I have a few thoughts about that…
I have worked from home for about 12 years now (with a short break to teach at Oceanside Collegiate Academy). In that time I have built two businesses, written three books, and homeschooled my children.
You may not be faced with continuing to work from home and school your kids for longer than the next month and a half or so, but even so, learning to build a balance between time with your family adn time on work is essential no matter what.
My experience at home has given me the opportunity to develop a few essential strategies that helped me not only survive but thrive.
Remember this is a marathon, not a sprint. Everything does not have to be figured out today or even right now. Take things one day at a time and you will be fine.
Create a reliable routine. When my kids were little, it was essential that we get up, eat, school, play adn have a break from each other at consistent times.
Establish specific work times and specific non-work times. If necessary, discuss with your supervisor first, then also communicate with your spouse and kids (if they are old enough to understand).
Self care is essential. You are managing and trying to balance so many things. What happens to all those things if you collapse under the weight? Make the time to take care of yourself. The sacrifice is worth the long-term results for you, your family and your work.
Connect with others in similar situations. Working in isolation breeds insecurity and discouragement, even for introverts (I am a huge one!). Connecting regularly, and being transparent about your situation, will not only beat back those nasty critical voices, but allow you to build positivity and hope.
No matter what you are facing today, remember grace. Grace for yourself as you try to figure out how to navigate this new season, and grace for those around you who are trying to.
Join the conversation: What strategies are you using to balance everything during this Covid-19 season?