July will soon be August and at this point, I have more questions than answers. Will my kids be in school full time? Will I be in school full time? How will we juggle two different School Calendars, one University Calendar, and not lose our minds? How can I teach my 100+ students, and make sure my own children have the support they need to successfully manage distance learning. Whew, I need some coffee and a good calendar.
Like many of you, my entire household has been home since mid-March. We transitioned from two working parents and two active kids with multiple sports and extra-curricular activities to a stay-at-home all the time household. The dog was ecstatic; the rest of us were unsure. The first few days were fine, and for the first time since September of 2019, I was caught up with my laundry. However, it was soon apparent that this wasn’t going to be a mini stay-at-home- vacation, but a new way of life for the foreseeable future. What are working parents to do? The answer is to create a schedule that mimics a typical day and then adapt as new plans and obstacles present themselves. This is what we did, and what I hope to help you, my readers, do for the Fall.
What makes me qualified for this task? To begin with, over 20 years of teaching experience; if I can organize multiple lessons each day for over 100 teenagers, I certainly can organize the education of my 12 and 15-year-olds (not as easy as it appeared, but that is a blog for a later date). Next, I have been weekly-meal planning and scheduling our household for years with success, and I know having a plan can decrease stress and help you avoid eating out. Our family is committed to a mostly plant-based diet and committed to consistent exercise to help maintain our health and wellness; therefore, it is essential that we have a plan each week and know who’s turn it is to cook, pick up the kids, and do the dishes. We are an egalitarian household; everyone does his or her share. It is hard to cook 6 nights a week, but this commitment keeps our budget and health goals on track. I have spent the last 12 years gathering healthy resources, reading and studying multiple cookbooks, reading blogs, gardening posts, and fitness plans to create a streamlined agenda for my home; now, let me help you with yours.
My struggle is your struggle. We are entering a brave new world, and if sharing ideas and tips helps a new Mom find balance or not feel alone, or helps a Dad trying to juggle working from home and teaching his kids, then it is worth it. We are better together, and I for one am always looking for ways to make my life easier and more meaningful.
