Now what?

Schools are closed. You may or may not have toilet paper. (If you don’t, message me.) And it’s like Groundhog Day for the next, well, who knows how long. Life is weird right now, friends. Real weird.

If you’re a Mom trying to figure out how to get through the next several weeks, this post is for you.

Our day to day has changed a little in the past week because my husband is working from home and we can’t do our normal playdates, groups, and field trips. Otherwise, it’s semi-normal for us to be at home. I started homeschooling a few years back when my oldest was in preschool and we have been doing this school thing from home ever since.

From one homeschooling mom to another, you’ve got this. You may not have chosen this homeschool gig, but you know your child best and can turn these days at home into something sweet and something memorable (in a good way).

Now what?

First, breathe. This is your pep talk. You have known your child the longest. THE longest. You have read her bedtime stories, bathed, clothed, and fed her. You have been there since the beginning: loving and caring for her, putting her needs before your own. You have watched her eyes light up with wonder, endured tantrums and tears. You have felt her hand in your hand and her head on your shoulder. You are her Momma and you know her best. Believe that and use it these next few weeks.

Think rhythm instead of routine.

Seriously, you don’t need to write a schedule or routine with 15 minute increments on the chalkboard or notebook paper or anywhere, unless you want to. Routines have their place (like in a morning and evening routine), but I’ve found rhythms allow grace and flexibility when it comes to our homeschooling day. A rhythm can help you and your kiddos move through the day with some flow and expectations and a bit of structure. Children thrive within rhythms and many Moms do as well. Think through how you want your day to feel and flow and write it down. I want our day to feel unhurried, comforting, cozy, and full of beauty. Our rhythm doesn’t begin or end at a certain time, it’s just a list of tasks we work through.

Breakfast

Dressed and Chore

Seat work

School room together

Playtime

Lunch

History/Science

Novel and Reading Lessons

Rest Time

The mood of our home always trumps checking things off. If things get hairy, we take a step back. We may or may not get to everything, but it’s a baseline on how we go about our day. Our daily rhythm helps us move through the day with intentionality and our sanity intact.

Learning happens all the time.

Baking in the kitchen. Cleaning the bathroom sink. Reading together on the couch. Writing a letter to a friend. Organizing a bedroom. Hunting for treasures outside. Making a sandwich. Writing a grocery list. Learning happens all day long, even if it’s hard to see. Embrace this and realize you are doing enough, even if it doesn’t ‘look’ like traditional school. If you’re looking for some ‘Spring Break’ ideas, check here.

Recess matters.

From one Momma who is home all day with her kids to another…there is a MAJOR difference in our day when we get outside for ‘recess’. If the kids are outside for an hour before or after lunch, they actually rest during rest time. If we go on a walk in the sunshine, there is less whining and arguing. Sunshine is medicine and finding a way to get outside everyday might just save us all.

Take advantage of free resources.

Other Goose. Scholastic. ABCMouse. The Measured Mom. This Reading Mama. Teachers Pay Teachers. Audio books from the library. You don’t need to create curriculum for your kids, unless you want to. I will be posting some fun activities on Instagram and Facebook stories in the coming weeks. (I’m @asimplermotherhood) Work smart and use what other people have created for you.

Consider rest time.

Everyday my kids are in their rooms for a set amount of time. Some of them nap, some of them read or play. This is the core reason I am able to function and thrive homeschooling my kids. You might get some push back at first, but it will be worthwhile if you persevere. Rest time refuels me and makes me a better mom in the evenings. It also gives me something to look forward to if the morning isn’t going as planned. It doesn’t have to be for long, even 20-30 minutes can give your crew a break. Everyone going to their corners and regrouping before coming together again can help the days go smoother.

Embrace the slow pace.

I know it’s hard for us all to slow down. It’s hard to cancel all the things and look at the calendar knowing we will be doing the same thing day after day after day for the next few weeks. Let’s name that: It’s hard.

But, there is a lot to be grateful for, too. Slow mornings with pancakes. A leisurely walk outside. A novel and a hot cup of coffee. Laughter over a board game. Family dinners. Less laundry because pajamas all day. More laundry because mud puddles. Homemade cookies. A family dance party. Extra time in the Word. The noticing of the sunrise and the sunset. Noticing what we are grateful for is powerful.

This slowing down could really make us more alive.

Support one another.

Let’s rally around each other. Get on a Marco Polo chat with moms in your neighborhood or small group. Start a text thread with some of the parents in your kids’ classes. DM your online friends with questions and to support one another. Do church online. Send an encouraging letter to a friend. There is a lot of uncertainty, but knowing we are in this together can make this time less lonely and more encouraging.

No one knows what these next few weeks will bring, but we can do a few things to make them more intentional and meaningful. Tell me: How are you answering the question, Now what?