Trying to Balance Working From Home with Online Schooling? Read This

• Author: Jacob Greene
• Posted: 2024-03-03

One of the biggest challenges for many families in this era of COVID-19 is how to balance the demands of work while also directing children with their online schooling. Even as this global pandemic stretches into September, there are many people who are still working from home alongside their children. With the start of the new school year comes a host of challenges with working parents trying to stay on top of their job responsibilities while also keeping their children on task with their studies.

Here are a few things that you can do to make this process easier for both you and your children.

Stick to a Routine

Implementing a routine is crucial in your quest to successfully balance the demands of work and schooling your children. Getting your kids in the habit of dressing for school as they were going in person and brushing their teeth can go a long way in helping to set a routine and encourage learning. It is also helpful if your kids know each day when they will have a break in their studies.

While a set routine is important, it is also a good idea to give yourself grace and allow deviations from this schedule. You will all be happier if you recognize and appreciate that this is an unprecedented time. Although a schedule may provide a good guiding framework for the day, you also need to make sure that you have built in room for flexibility. For example, perhaps you want to break the monotony with a mid-day ice cream break?

Create Dedicated Work Spaces

You cannot expect your kids to be able to focus on their online learning if they do not have a dedicated learning space. Even if you are short on space in your home, you can still carve out corners for students to have their own workspace. Having your own space for work will also help you to be able to concentrate.

Letting your kids help to set up their space will also encourage them to own this part of their education. Be sure to include a variety of organizational items to help them to stay on task. Good ideas include whiteboards with the daily schedule, folders, and organizational cubbies for all of their desk supplies.

Take Advantage of the Quiet Hours

Work time may be hard to come by when your kids are also home all day. You will enjoy more uninterrupted time if you are intentional about carving out periods during the early morning hours or after the kids go to bed at night. It can be shocking how much work you can get done with no distractions underfoot. Try to use this time to perform your work duties that require the most amount of concentration.

Implement a Rewards System

You can teach your kids valuable responsibility skills while also making life easier for yourself by implementing a rewards system. Using stickers or stars on a chart, help them to create a checklist to keep track of their work. If they meet all of their deadlines, you can then reward them with a special outing or treat. This type of rewards system will help to prevent battles while also motivating your children to take ownership of their personal learning experience.

Meal Prep on the Weekends

It is easy to get bogged down in your own job responsibilities and realize that you forgot to prepare lunch for the family. Make this part of the day easier by meal prepping on the weekends. Taking time on Sunday evening to wash and cut fruit and veggies, prepare meals that kids can heat up in the microwave, and set up snack baskets in your pantry will make it easier to navigate lunchtime.

Many school districts are also offering free lunches to families. If this is an option for you, you will save loads of time if you can order these pre-prepared meals for your children to heat up.

There is no doubt that it requires an extra layer of preparation and perseverance to get through this time at home. However, with the right attitude and planning, you can be successful in your endeavors to ensure that your kids stay on top of their schoolwork while you work.