Quarantine, Week 1 | How are you doing?

Like most of you, our once filled calendars were cleared in a flash. On short notice, we moved our work stations, school desks, dance studios, art rooms, and so much more into our homes. We went from spending the weekends together as a family of four, to constant togetherness. In my head, constant togetherness sounded delightful. As the week unfolded, it proved to be more challenging than expected. 

Last weekend our school district announced there would be no school starting March 16-27th. At first, I was naive enough to think Harper and Emmett would see their teachers and classmates again on the 30th. As news continued to break, and we received more communication from our district - it was made clear this time off was to prepare for distance learning. 

Monday, Mitch and I went to work to understand our companies COVID-19 plans. The mood was so somber. The usual Monday chit chat asking, "how was your weekend?" was missing. We could feel each other's anxiousness and uncertainty surrounding the elephant in the room. What was going to happen? By midday, we had a company-wide meeting sharing plans to work remotely starting Tuesday and plans for the coming weeks. As we packed up our workspaces, someone joked it felt similar to moving out of the dorm in college. People were leaving with boxes full of computer equipment, saying "see you guys soon," with a half, worried smile. 

I converted our dining room table into my new workspace, trying to make it as cozy as possible and making sure I was near a window. If the sun is shining, I was to see it and feel it. It's an automatic mood-booster. Mitch continued to work throughout the week, meaning it was just me and the kiddos at home. 

Trying to be a working parent, school teacher, chef, lego master, dance teacher, referee, a fun mom, a stern mom, keeper of the chaos was tough. I had a whole schedule planned for the kiddos Tuesday, and as expected we accomplished about 1/8 of my "learning" plans. They were out of their normal routine, and I was clearly out of my element. We were all struggling. There were a few things that help us sane, and the kiddos seemed to enjoy. 

LUNCH DOODLES WITH MO WILLEMS

SCHOLASTIC LEARN AT HOME

LEARN TO DRAW VIDEOS ON YOUTUBE

PETE THE CAT LIVE ON INSTAGRAM

LEGO CHALLENGES

WALKS OUTSIDE LEAVING BEHIND HAPPINESS ROCKS

 

MESSENGER FOR KIDS

 

I did my best to be positive and patient with them. By the end of the week, we ditched the schedule. We continued with the things they enjoyed but added quite a bit of "choice time" for each kiddo. 

This last week was so strange. I felt uneasy. I felt sad. I felt scared. I was worried. I sobbed. I laughed. I zoned out. I was a mess of emotions. As we enter into this next week, give yourself some grace. We can't do it all, no one can - and that's okay. As long as we provide the essentials our family needs, that's enough. What's working for you and your family? Please do share, we're all in this together - so let's help each other out! 

So, how are you doing with this sudden change? I would say we're doing okay, and I hope you are too. 

Stay safe out there.

The Helleen's