How’s everyone doing out there? These are strange times we find ourselves in, and we are all learning to cope with a temporary new normal. Many parents in our community are feeling the brunt of this shift in our culture as they learn how to balance working from home, parenting, and teaching school all at once. We want you to know that we see you. We see how hard you’re working and we’re grateful for the way you’re stepping to help us teach your kids when we can’t be with them.

For those of you who are really struggling, here are some parenting tips that may help you navigate your new role as an at-home teacher.

Forget Perfection
You’re used to executing at a high level in your work and home life. It’s easy to try to apply that same mentality as you teach from home, but we advise you not to. Remember that your children are going through this stressful time with you, they’re feeling the effects of this change, and no one expects a miracle from any of us. Of course, we want them to continue learning and growing, but not at the expense of your sanity.

Involve Your Children In Planning
In lieu of a classroom, you may want to create a dedicated workspace for children within your home. This might be a nook in their bedroom, a space at the dining room table, or a whole office. Allow them to help you set up the space giving them a sense of autonomy over their new learning environment.

Take Breaks
Remember to block off time for free play and time outside to give both of you a break. Your children don’t learn for 6 hours straight at school, they have recess, lunchtime, arts and crafts, and other small breaks to help interrupt their day. Feel free to find the routine that works best for your family.

Create A Schedule
It can be easy to lose control of the day when you don’t have a plan. Set a weekly schedule so that your kids know what to expect, and so that you can carve out precious minutes and hours to get your own work done. Some families have come up with fun, colorful daily schedules, the creation of which could double as a craft project!

Like we said before, we see you, and we know how much work you’re putting into finishing this year strong. And for that we’re thankful. Hopefully, these parenting tips are helpful leading to the end of this school year, and into the summer. We look forward to seeing you and your children again in the fall, and please feel free to contact us at any time should you need our support.