In these unprecedented and chaotic times, it is more important than ever to establish a routine for your children.
Written by Tamar Weisert, photo by Unsplash.
As a mom of three teenagers, I realized how vital it was to have a daily schedule in place as soon as it became apparent we would be in this situation for quite some time. This schedule should be adjusted as needed for age (less time dedicated to schoolwork for younger kids), but it has served us well this past month. This is only for weekdays; weekends are totally open to do as they wish. What I find to be the most important caveat for the success of this schedule, is that if your child has completed all “requirements,” they truly do get to do whatever they want. For my girls, this is often a five-hour marathon viewing of ‘The Office.’ Under normal circumstances, I would not be happy about them sitting in front of a screen for that long, but these times are anything but normal. If Dwight and Jim can provide them with comfort and a momentary escape, I won’t say a word about it.
Weekday Schedule (Do in any order, feel free to take breaks)
- Four hours of online schoolwork. If work is completed in less time, do any of the following until four hours is up:
- Read a book
- Write a story, poem, or journal
- Do a science experiment
- Khan Academy (Math or SAT prep)
- Duolingo Spanish (or other language)
- 30 minutes of exercise:
- Exercise/yoga video
- Take the dog for a walk
- Jumping jacks outside
- Trampoline
- Make up a dance
- Play volleyball
- Jump rope
- Go for a hike/run/bike ride (this one is on pause until these things are allowed again)
- 30 minutes of something creative:
- Draw
- Paint
- Cook
- Sew
- Play piano/guitar (the Yousician app is fun for this)
- Do a puzzle
- Play a board game
- Craft
- Knit
- Meditate
- Virtual tour of a museum
- Household Chores:
- Tidy up your bedroom
- Do the dishes
- Take out the trash
Once all of these things are completed: DO WHATEVER YOU WANT!!!!!!
