I have no idea how long this will last. And I have no idea what life will look like on the other side of this. But I do hope and pray that we will come out of this period of social distancing, self-isolation, and for some self-quarantine. I hope we come out better, more empathetic, and more responsible for ourselves and our environment. Here is how my family has been navigating the new “normal for now” as I’ve decided to call it.
I’m not saying it’s been easy; there are a lot of unknowns.
TIPS FOR NAVIGATING THE NEW “NORMAL FOR NOW” AND KEEPING OUR SANITY
There are lots of ways to pass the time, but we’ve found these particular things very useful over the last two weeks. They may not all work for you and your family, but they have certainly helped our family so far. I will continue to adapt my approach on a day-to-day basis as the situation calls for it, but here are a few simple things we’ve come to rely on.
HOLD TIGHT TO YOUR FAITH
Church is not canceled, even if the doors to the building are closed. As people of faith, it would not be a good thing if we isolated ourselves from other believers or practicing our faith. Luckily we attend a church that has been quick to adapt to the ever-changing situation.
Since large gatherings are not advisable at the moment sermons moved online. Children’s church has also moved online, so I haven’t missed a worship service or sermon and our kids haven’t missed any lessons either.
Prayer is always important, but our six-year-old has really grown in this area. She often wants to say the mealtime prayer, but more often than not it is the standard kids’ prayer, “God is great, God is good, let us thank Him for our food,” but not recently. She prays her little heart out. As a mama it makes my heart feel good to know she is leaning into her faith at her young age.
find a schedule, BUT REMEMBER TO BE FLEXIBLE
Small children tend to keep you busy, but even on the weekends filling every minute of the day without leaving the house can be a challenge. Our kids have started getting up at about the same time every day. This past week was Spring break so we didn’t operate on a schedule, but now that school is back in session and at home, we have a schedule to keep us on task.
Having a schedule to look at will help my daughter adjusting and navigating to the new “normal for now” as well. We have yet to hear when her reading group will meet for their Zoom sessions, but as soon as that is announced I already have a schedule ready to print up for her.
I made a simple weekly schedule with a free Canva template and established a routine for her to follow. Each day we will get up, eat breakfast, get ready for the day, and make beds at the same time. Zoom sessions, lunch, free time, and the daily “special” are included as well. PE is typically once a week at school, but we’re doing every afternoon. Here is what I came up with:
I also hope to find time to complete my tasks during these time blocks she’s working on specific tasks. I’m going to do what I always do and triage my to-do list; I figure out what needs to be accomplished most in a day and focus on that. You can read more that in the post 10 Free or Frugal Helpful Mom Hacks.
If you are a working parent who has found themselves suddenly working from home I highly recommend a schedule for you as well. Have your school-age kids
Even this past week while we’ve not been schooling we have kept busy. My husband had a few projects around the house he had taken the week off to tackle. Our kids have spent as much time outside as the weather has permitted.
MAINTAIN YOUR USUAL ROUTINES AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE
Do you have a tendency to catch up with coworkers over a cup of coffee every morning before getting your day started? Enjoy your homebrew and still have your daily chat! FaceTime, Zoom meeting, or Skype away. Chances are your work has made use of at least one of these methods to keep in touch while everyone is out of the office.
Stick with your morning routine. Don’t try to work in your pajamas or shower at a later and later time every day that passes. Keep your usual morning routine as best you can. It’ll help keep you in a healthier frame of mind.
I may not drop a kid off for school each morning, but I shower and use my daily oils as I would if I did have to take her to school. One or two days the first week of virtual school I allowed her to do schoolwork in her pajamas. Now that we’re on a schedule with her classmates I don’t think we’ll do that anymore. It’s easier to focus and get to work if you’re dressed for the day.
STAY CONNECTED TO FRIENDS AND RELATIVES OUTSIDE YOUR FOUR WALLS
It is so easy to stay connected with all the technology we have available. I’ve found that the more we’re “online” for our daily tasks the less I want to be online. Last week my daughter was on Google Classroom two hours a day, I have blog tasks, I help with the church website, and it looks like our son’s speech therapy may also be on Zoom sessions. That’s a lot of time online. I’ve been a lot less active on social media and plan to use most of that time to educate myself. And, I’ve decided that I’d rather talk on the phone or across the fence with family.
I’ve decided that now is the time to use the power of technology to better myself and expand my knowledge; I’m researching and taking free classes online to learn more about essential oils and affiliate marketing. I’ve been reading a few ebooks. I want to do all I can do to improve my skillset and add to my family’s income while staying home.
HOW ARE YOU NAVIGATING THE NEW “NORMAL FOR NOW”?
I’d love to hear how you’re doing and if you have any tips or tricks to making this whole situation easier. I feel like people who already work from home and homeschool their children are the best prepared for this situation.
I will continue to share what we find that works for us and offer any budget assistance I can. Additionally, I will try to post more frugal recipes here on the blog. Until next time, stay frugal, healthy, and if possible at home my friends! We’ll get through this and hopefully be the better for it. I’ll be back soon.