Across the country and around the world, businesses are switching their teams to full-time telecommuters. For some, this is an expansion of occasional work-from-home benefits; something that is already familiar. For others, this is a whole new world.
And now, many of us are a couple of weeks into homeschooling. While adapting to this WFH lifestyle.
Deep breath. You’ve got this. And we can help.
It’s a great idea to start by reminding yourself of your purpose both at work and as a parent. When you sit and think about it, you may quickly come to realize that the needs of both don’t have to be in conflict. In fact, they may overlap much more than you might imagine.
Our tips for working from home absolutely apply to both you and your child, and the more you start poking around the internet, the more you uncover a wealth of great resources, tips, and suggestions for keeping your kids—and their brains—busy as long as you need them to be.
Your kids may or may not have take-home work, or access to virtual classrooms, but never fear! We’ve gathered up a list of activities that have kept our Rubys (and their kids) sane, entertained, and learning.
Let’s get started:
The school day itself.
There are tons of online options available to share with your kids, younger or older, to help you schedule their time and plan a meaningful day while still working around conference calls and virtual meetings.
Webinars, but for kids.
Experts on many subjects can be found hosting a wide range of videos including some on science, space, current events, animated TED-Ed videos, a smattering of various subjects, and everyone’s throwback favorite, Sesame Street.
The art of storytime.
This comprehensive list of authors, illustrators, celebrities, and educators will keep kids occupied listening to stories and learning to draw. There are resources for toddlers to teenagers, and many include teaching guides and extended activities.
Lean on online learning.
So many scholastic websites have made themselves available for free during this time, and this extensive list will make it super easy to find a subject with just a quick search for a keyword.
Free (e)books!
Your public library card may already give you access to platforms like Hoopla for digital media, Kanopy for movies, Libby’s eBooks and audiobooks, but on-line digital library Epic! is now free through the school year with an invitation from a teacher or school librarian.
Move it.
Give the brain a break and work off some of that excess energy! You’ve got yoga for kids, pre-recorded and downloadable physical activities, outdoor play and education, dance-along videos, and even dancing with the great Debbie Allen! So why not take care of your own wellbeing at the same time and join in?
Be crafty.
Exercise the other side of their brains with lessons from Quarantine Art Club. Or, maybe your kids will tap into their inner storyteller with this writing workshop. And, these fun and fascinating assignments from a work-from-home/teach-from-home dad will engage your kids while giving you time to for a kid-free conference call. Or, why not cook together? Take fun quizzes, work puzzles, and play games. There’s a lot to keep everyone busy!
Guilt-free screen time.
Options are nearly endless with age-appropriate documentaries, cooking shows (we love Nailed It! on Netflix for family-friendly laughs), or travel videos. No need to feel guilty about giving yourself some downtime—especially when they’re still learning!
There is a lot of great information out there, so if you’re not sure where to begin or how to choose, reach out to peers, join virtual groups, and ask for support when you need it. We’re all taking this day-by-day.
For now, you can also visit this resource page dedicated to providing you with information, tips, and tools specifically for your COVID-19 business plans.
Be well and take care of yourself!
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