How to Manage Temporary Homeschooling During This Pandemic

Guest Post by Elkyra Park

This global pandemic has forced schools and several other institutions to shutdown in an effort to protect individuals from getting the disease and stopping the virus from multiplying tenfold all at the same time.  

This is a bold move initiated by the authorities to curb the spread of the disease.  But let’s face it, this is also a burden for working mothers.  Hahaha.  Sorry.  I am not complaining about our family being stuck and safe at home.  I am merely stating the reality that working from home while temporary homeschooling can cause disputes among family members.

Imagine, your children are stuck in the four corners of your home.  They can’t go out to play in the park or to the mall.  They can get bored so they act out and throw tantrums just because.  

You, on the other hand, are busy with your work deadline so you are focused on finishing your task at hand.  But little Jane is just so adamant in doing her take-home assignment.  You got mad at her for bugging you and this resulted in a shouting match.

You know that you could have prevented it but you are on a short fuse.  What should you do?  Let me share what my friends and I have done to manage temporary homeschooling during lockdown.

EXPLAIN
You need to open up about what is happening today.  This way, your children will understand the current events and the urgent need to stay at home.  Be honest as much as you can.

FOCUS ON THE CORE SUBJECTS FIRST
Set a realistic goal especially if you are new to teaching.  Do not try to cover everything in the curriculum.  Instead, start with core subjects such as English and Math first and stick to them.  This way, you and your child don’t get stressed out too much.

Once you have established a study routine, you can try adding other subjects.

DON’T BE TOO HARD ON YOURSELF
Remember that not everyone can ace the core subjects so don’t be too hard on yourself.  You are both in a difficult and unpleasant situation so don’t be too critical. 
 
After all, this isn’t your line of work so take it slow.  Just give yourself a pat on the back for trying hard.

AVOID MAKING THREATS
“You have to do this or you will be grounded.”  Familiar?  Unfortunately, those threats won’t work today because your kids are already grounded.  Have you forgotten that they have already been stuck at home for days?

Instead, explain to your kids the importance of the task so they understand why they have to do this in the first place.  You can cite real life examples that may involve their hobbies or favorites to pique their interest.

SET A DAILY ROUTINE
Keep in mind that kids are creatures of habit so they thrive well with following a schedule.  Try imitating their school routine and apply them to your home schedule.  Just like in going to school, add breaks to give kids some rest.  Base your work time on their schedule as well.

RELAX
What I do is wake up earlier than the kids so I still have “me” time (even if it means skipping sleeping in to prepare breakfast and do some of my work).  Why do I call this my “me” time?  The reason is I still have some quiet, uninterrupted time to do what needs to be done.  Those kid-free moments honestly keeps me sane.

By the time we start with our makeshift school, I have done about 60% of my tasks so I have less to worry about.  This is my kind of relax.

Other moms engage in arts and crafts or read books in their spare time.  I suggest that you do anything that keeps your mind healthy and happy.  Remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup so take care of yourself first.  Eat healthy meals and don’t forget to squish exercises into your busy schedule.

Bottomline
I know that juggling parenting, working, and teaching is not a walk in the park.  But we are moms (parents).  We rock and we survive everything life throws at us.

The best suggestion I can give is to NOT aim for perfection.  Just try to survive this difficult time.  It is already stressful for everyone to be confined to the four corners of the home so don’t add to this stress.

When all else fails, you can always turn to internet for tons of fun activities that kids of all ages can enjoy.

I hope that the tips will help you with your homeschooling difficulties.  I know you got this, momma.  Stay strong.

Elkyra Park is a first-time mom who can no longer count how many baby products she has reviewed for her sanity and her son's sake.  She discusses about the realities of parenthood and how to gracefully cope with the struggles over at www.easyparentinghacks.com