COVID19 Quarantine: Staying Sane with Around-the-Clock Kids – Part 1

The coronavirus (COVID-19) quarantine and the community restrictions may have you less worried about the spread of germs, but perhaps you’re concerned about staying sane with your around-the-clock kids.

About twenty years ago, I wondered the same thing—obviously not about the Coronavirus, but when I first considered homeschooling. I wondered if I could keep my sanity if I hung out twelve to sixteen hours a day with my kids. Don’t get me wrong, I loved my kids, just as you do, I’m sure. It was simply the idea of being with them all day, every day, that made me nervous.

If you’re a little anxious, I’m here to encourage you. The format, content, and length of your stay may vary; nonetheless—welcome to the world of homeschooling.

We’re In This Together

Approximately thirty states have closed their public schools for two weeks or longer. Most students will experience an early “spring break.”  But they’ll also learn how to do their assigned schoolwork at home.

Experienced homeschoolers are accustomed to learning within the comfort of their own homes.

However, due to the pandemic, even homeschooling families are feeling the pinch as museums close and large group gatherings are canceled. Contrary to popular belief, most of the United States’ 2.5 million homeschoolers love to get out, socialize, and experience hands-on-learning through field trips, clubs, social events, and co-ops.

So, we’re all making adjustments—homeschool students, public school students, and the parents or grandparents who are staying home with them.

We’re in this together. Here are a few ways to make the best of it.

First, Help the Kids to Cope

First, we need to help the kids to cope with what is taking place in the world, in their community, and in the home.

According to edweek.org as of March 13, 2020, 2:10 p.m. ET,

“At least 21,900 schools are closed, are scheduled to close, or were closed and later reopened, affecting at least 15 million students.

Peele, H. (2020, March 6). Map: Coronavirus and School Closures – Education Week. Education Week.

By the time, I post this, those numbers will have increased and many more will be under a community quarantine or restrictions of some kind.

Many churches have cancelled their worship meetings. Sports events, club meetings, proms, and other large gatherings have been postponed.

The vastness of the preventive procedures taking place across our nation creates unprecedented issues for most Americans.

It’s especially upsetting for children who depend on normalcy and who haven’t lived long enough, or lack the faith, to understand “this too shall pass.”

First of all, we need to reassure our kids of our love and that we are here for them.

Our children need to hear and see evidence from us that taking care of them is a blessing, not a burden.

Also, many parents are suddenly learning how to work from home with children present. It’s important to help children understand that while it may take some time and adjustments, we, as a family, will make this work.

Things to Discuss with the Children

There are several things we can discuss with our children to help put them at ease. In addition to listening to their concerns and acknowledging their feelings, consider the following:

God is in control. He knows everything taking place and He is working in the midst of it all. He understands our concerns and He will help us. What things have you heard or seen that concerns you? Let’s pray about those.

Let’s read scriptures together that will encourage us and remind us of God’s love. (My favorite time of day during our homeschooling is our unhurried time of reading and talking about God’s Word.)

Consider this a challenging adventure! We’re going to grow closer and have fun as a family. What kinds of things do you think the family would enjoy doing together? Let’s make a list.

Every amazing adventure has either a ship’s log, a diary, or a video to record the moments. Would you like to document our adventure?

We are stocked with supplies for our time at home (and hopefully, there’s a small stash of surprises such as candy, a new book, or a game). If we find ourselves in need of something, you don’t have to worry. The Lord has always provided for our needs. Is there something specific you want to make sure we have on hand?

We have a family plan if anyone gets sick. Planning is not a sign of panic or that we’re expecting something bad to happen. Doing what we can to prepare for possible situations helps give us a sense of peace.

It’s like when we pack a first aid kit when we go on vacation. Everyone is expecting to just relax and have fun. But we carry it just in case we need it. Rarely, have we ever used it except for an occasional Band-aid, but we have a peace knowing it’s there.

Your schoolwork will not suffer because we’re going to help you, and if we struggle with a subject, we’ll find assistance.

Even though you’re apart for a while, you will be able to stay in touch with your friends. Within the healthy guidelines, what are some different ways you can do that?

While we are all at home and under unusual circumstances, we will have to make an extra effort to help one another. Everyone has work that needs to get done. While we will make time for fun, this will not be a veg-out, free-for-all.

What family rules or guidelines do you think would be helpful during this time together?

Resources

Depending on your children’s ages and past experiences, they all may react differently to changes in their routine.

Here are a few helpful websites which offer lots of resources for counseling children through difficult times.

The National Child Traumatic Stress Network: Helping Families Cope

Focus on the Family has a great article about talking with kids about the coronavirus and the CDC’s site has one as well: Childrenindisasters/helping-children-cope

As parents we need to set the tone by modeling an attitude of gratitude, grace, and peace.

My next post will contain educational resources and fun activity ideas for you to consider.

For now, just pray for the right mindset. Ask God what He wants to show you and your family during this extraordinary time together.

The Gift of Additional Time

During this unusual season, we have to remember this is a gift of additional time to:

Engage in more conversations and get to know our family members better.

Have fun and build bonds. Play board games, conduct scavenger hunts, grill out, or set up an outdoor campsite behind the house.

Learn to cook new dishes. Try new foods.

Create something. Paint, knit, or build something.

Help someone else. You may not be able to volunteer in certain environments but there are projects you can work on that will help someone who may have more restrictions than you. Build a birdhouse to mount outside of an assisted living center. Bake a casserole for a single parent. Cut grass or do handy work outside for someone who is unable to do so. Offer to pick up food and supplies.

Start and finish a project in your home. This is one way my family is spending our extra time at home. We’re stripping wallpaper, painting, and getting an early start on spring cleaning. My husband is teaching our teen some helpful carpentry skills.

Linger longer as you read His Holy Word. Without the mad morning rush, not only does it seem we have more time to pray, but it appears we have more time to stay and listen for God’s response.

Carve out moments of silence. Our busy lives have caused us to rush from one noise to another. Embrace some of this “extra time” to be quiet before the Creator of the universe.

Last Thoughts

What have you always wished you had more time to do with your children?

One of the main reasons we began homeschooling was because we never felt like we had enough time to pour into them. When they attended public school, we had fun, but our time was mostly helping with homework or we were rushing to be somewhere or do something.

Even now, as we homeschool, we contiually have to step back and reevaluate the running list of things we think we “need” to do.

Life keeps us all busy. Yet, I think most of us wish we had more time with our kids.

Now, that we have it, how will we invest it?

God will help us with our sanity and sanctity while we care for our kids. Pray for wisdom and patience. May we thank God for His blessings during this time of quarantine.

And later, when the restrictions are lifted, may we be brave enough to ask God what changes were just for a season and if there is something of which He desires even more.

Freebie

*For the next few months, you’ll find a free download in the “Resources” section. I’ve created a 45-page My Quarantine Journal for students in grades 4 -12. I assigned my teen to journal during his quarantined time due to the pandemic. He needed help getting started, so I came up with journaling prompts and pages to write meaningful quotes and Bible verses. Hopefully, this will help him not only process his thoughts about what is taking place in the world but also help him record history so he can one day tell the next generation.