Getting it all done without feeling overwhelmed
In spring 2020 parents in the United States were tasked with suddenly having to help their kids do remote learning. The spread of Covid-19 meant school closures for the rest of the school year. Six months later parents are again having to deal with the reality that remote learning is going to be the new normal for the foreseeable future for children in grades kindergarten through high school.
Getting everything done and meeting deadlines is tricky when the whole family is working at once. Here are some ideas to help you stay on top of everything.
Access Your Situation
Talk with your school administration about their plan for the upcoming school year. Will school days be a mix of virtual and in person learning, or strictly remote learning? Are students expected to sit for several hours in class or can they just get their school work done at their own pace?
Prioritize
What work projects and school subjects take priority? These items should be completed early in the day to get them out of the way.
Make a Schedule
Create a schedule for work time and school time. A schedule will help you give your full attention to your children and your work. Think about your work tasks and what part of the day do you do your best work. For example, if you do better early in the morning while everyone is asleep put these tasks on your schedule for early morning. From there schedule time to do schoolwork with your children, recess, lunch and afternoon tasks (school and work).
Get Organized
Use charts, lists and organizers to keep you on track with schoolwork and tests. You will save time everyday when you mark off which subjects and assignments are done, and view what material needs to be covered for scheduled tests.
Ask For Support
If you are overwhelmed trying to balance your job with helping your children with remote learning reach out to your fellow parents. Ask them for suggestions on getting organized and helping your child focus on their school work.
