You can do it all - if not, it's okay!

When did we ever expect that we are going to be in the middle of a pandemic? We all are experiencing once-in-a lifetime pandemic causing untold human sufferings, unforeseen challenges for everyone including working parents who are trying to juggle WFH, remote learnings, childcare for their kids and several other chores during the day.

The biggest help that we can extend to each other now is to be empathetic and acknowledge that all of us are going through our own struggles and that we are all in this together. We are hoping to do the same in this article and share a few things we have picked up as we have spoken to working parents trying to do it all. 

How people around us are coping 

There are so many layers of parenting in these tough times and all of us have our unique challenges with varying aged kids. 

We reached out to few working parents to share how they have been managing until now and what routines/hobbies they’ve been up-to to stay sane during this trying time. Here goes the list of useful tips we have so far:

Have a weekly to-do list: Starting the week with a realistic check list of things for home and work for yourself and for kids really helps. Then review it based on priority, order and time commitment/focus needed. Further Paring down to what “has to be done today” and “what doesn’t have to be done this week” helps reduce stress and distractions.

Setting up a dedicated work and learning space: This is helpful to have you and the kids navigate through the day with enough focus. Bonus, setting up something next to the window or decorating the place with some plants or any personal touches would make one feel more pleasant and connected to their workstation.

Block out time in your day to help your child: Include the assignments they are going to complete that day and when they have live classes to attend. Especially for younger kids, schedule break times for yourself right before live classes start so you can make sure that your child has logged on for the class.

Help your children set up automated reminders: Having reminders about live classes, taking breaks, and so forth will enhance both their independence and your ability to focus on your own work. Use an age-appropriate system that gives your child as much ownership as possible so they can update you on their progress throughout the day. Also, have your children use a timer when taking breaks to avoid getting off task for too long. This is important, especially for those who struggle with time management or distraction as staring the screen for longer time makes these kids tired and stressed. Younger kids especially must at least get 10-15 minutes breaks in between classes.

Family First always: Try not to apologize and feel ok if your kids or pets suddenly show up in your web cam during meetings with your co-workers/boss. If they need attention, address that first before resuming the call. If you are working for a good team and company, they will understand your priorities and responsibilities outside work as well. Of course, not to forget, for lot of us we are our kids primary care giver even during office hours.

Spoiling kids with activity stuff/toys is OK: As kids are home all day (not much outdoor play as we enter fall) they need something interesting or new almost every day to keep themselves busy and occupied at least for few hours daily. If not, they will either bank on screen time or on your time.

Mental health and psychological wellbeing should not be the invisible elephant in the room: Do not stress, pick whatever works for you and your family. We can only try our best, adjust and work on the improvements, but we must remember that it is a learning process, and we are not going to be able to magically make things perfect overnight. We can thrive during this unsettling time and translate many of the lessons learnt back into our lives even when the crisis ends.

Most importantly DO NOT BE SORRY! We are all doing the best with what we have and we will get out of this together and stronger. 

Want a break from routine - consider sometime outdoors

• Not all travels are equally risky. Traveling by air, for example increases the chance of being exposed to illness over traveling by road as its easier to avoid public places.
• Road trips are a great alternative to air travel. Plan trips within a short drive and avoid stopping at public places such as restaurants and restrooms. Carry packed food from home and carry a portable toilet seat for younger kids who are off diapers.
• Try and find rentals that offers enhanced Covid cleaning or gaps between guests stays, consider checking out homes in Airbnb. Plan for safe activities such as hiking, camping or some family time at a secluded beach just outside the vacation rental.
• Meditation has been a great outlet for many people and also serves as your time, calm time etc. 
• With less "workout" due to not having to walk to meetings consider a mid-day walk/run. Helps lift your mood and get the most of the beautiful PNW. 
• Cooking, baking and trying out new recipes has been a stress buster for many. Include your kids in this activity. It's okay if the kitchen gets messy, its the memories that count :) 

A few helpful link to help with your planning 

All Age Groups : Kiwico STEM activities

Learn to draw for all age groups : Learn to draw and Drawabox

Pre-K STEM links : SpashLearn , STEMToyExpert

Pre-K Worksheets : Printables , GreatSchool and MathWorksheet

Elementary Worksheets : Worksheets and Printables

Elementary Math Worksheets : MentalMath , Commonsense and K5Learning

Middle School STEM : Pinterest, StemActivities and StemBlog

Middle School Math Worksheets : openupresources, math-drills and softschools

High School STEM : pinterest and stem-works

High School Math Worksheets : helpteaching, funmaths and high-school-math-worksheets

High School Art Worksheet : pinterest, artclasscurator

Online Classes : CNN

Discounted homeschooling materials : HomeSchoolBuyer

Free online dance classes : CliStudios

Educational Resources : MSFT Education

Tahoma School district links to general resources and some weekly activities : Google Sites

10 minute news. Good for middle school and up : CNN