5 Things Parents Can Do To Get Through the Remainder of Schooling at Home

Right about now, I am hearing many parents say, "the newness has worn off", "my kids are miserable doing school at home", "this is not fun anymore for them or me".  If you are having these feelings and thoughts, you are not alone. Many parents are feeling the same way. Guess what, many teachers in schools have these same feelings near the end of every school year - "the kids are just done", they say, "they want to be outside", "they are ready to move up".  As a teacher, I experienced these same things and said these very same words every single year. Why do you think the end of the school year is filled with fun activities, field trips, and end of year parties?

Parents, give yourselves a break!! You've made it through the bulk of it. You have about 4 or 5 weeks left of school at home.  You can do anything for 4 or 5 weeks, I promise. But in case you are looking for help to get through these last few weeks, here are 5 things you can do now to make it easier and less painful for you and your kiddos:

1. Before sitting down to begin the school day, give kids a chance to get their blood pumping. In school, kids have recess before settling down for the school day, you can do this at home, too. Have them jog in place to the Rocky theme song, or set up an obstacle course for them to do in the yard, time them doing 10 squats and 10 jumping jacks and then see if they can beat their time. Keep it fun and light. Think about what physical activity your child likes - maybe it is hitting a baseball and running bases - whatever it is have them do it. It helps prepare them to think and process well. (You don't have to tell them this is the PE part of doing school at home.)

2. Keep a schedule - but loosely. If you notice your kids getting antsy or fussing about doing a worksheet, STOP and let them take what I call a "brain break". Have them take a walk/run or ride around the block, jump on the trampoline for a bit, play ball with the dog, or frisbee with a sibling, allow them to play with legos, or read a book. Give them about 10 or 15 minutes to stop thinking, do something they like and then come back to it. It is important though to tell them ahead of time how long they have for their brain a break and it also helps to give a 2 or 3-minute warning before time is up.

3. Have planning conversations. Invite your child into the process of their schooling at home. Ask questions: What is your favorite subject? What is hard for you? What will help you? What do you need? And then work together to figure out a plan to get it all done - everyone agrees to it - and then stick to it. Consistency is always key! It may surprise you to find out that your child gets hungry mid-morning or late afternoon and that's why they are struggling to get through the work. So, plan a snack time in your schedule. Asking questions and telling them why you are asking them, helps them know you are in this together.

4. Start your day with prayer.  Prayer has been taken out of schools - but not taken out of school at home, so use this opportunity to take time for God and invite Him into your child's day.  Not only is this a great example for your child, but now you've involved God in the process.

5. Make the evenings fun-filled. As a family, create a plan for the week. Making the night fun gives everyone something to look forward to. You don't have to do something every day, but here are some examples for each day.

Monday - Make Monday Great Day: make a new recipe, bake together, Watch 'How It Is Made' on TV, build a fort, give the kids boxes and have them build something, learn how to make or do something new (youtube is a great resource for this)

Tuesday - Treat Day: ice cream sundaes, popcorn, whatever treats your family likes, go for it!

Wednesday - Wacky Wednesday: crazy hair, backward night (breakfast for dinner, dessert first), goofy clothes, be wild and crazy and make it a competition - small prizes go a long way, just sayin'.

Thursday - Thinking Thursday: Question of the day, the riddle of the day, (you can find these online) have kids fill in a blank and write their answers down (I love it when..., What I love about my family...my favorite movie is....)keep track of these and turn them into a book that will become a family treasure

Friday - Family Night: Game night, family hike or bike ride, movie night, plan and plant a garden together, have a pillow fight, camping in the backyard, plan something that you like to do as a family, as a family, bless another family by delivering a plate of cookies or decorating their front walk with kind messages

Sunday - God Time: Make sure to take time for God by watching adult services online and then accessing Sundays church activities for the kids.

These are just a few ideas to help everyone get through the remaining time of this temporary normal of schooling at home. You CAN do this!! Just remember to relax and keep in mind, every year at the beginning of a new school year, teachers spend time reviewing. If your child missed something this school year, chances are it will be reviewed next school year. Relax, parents, you got this!