6 Ways Parents and Kids Can Stay Happy and Sane During the Pandemic

Guest Article Written by Dean Burgess

Everyone is feeling the stress of these uncertain times. Parents continue to spend more time at home with young kids all while working their own full-time jobs. And with the ongoing pandemic, how can parents and children continue making it through this stressful and challenging time?

Here are a few tips to help parents and kids cope in the coming months.

1. Declutter Your Physical and Mental Space

Give your space a physical and emotional decluttering. When you feel crowded by textbooks, laptops, proposals, dishes, laundry, and everything else that comes with working and learning from home, it’s time to simplify. Invest in furniture that doubles as storage so you can easily put away work and play things. Spend a long weekend organizing and putting stuff away, and set up a command center in your home dedicated to helping everyone stay on track.

2. Reduce Distractions During Business Hours

Right now, most school-aged children around the country are in school; however, the pandemic fluctuations during winter could see more children returning to remote learning, especially if they have a positive COVID test. This means children will spend more time on laptops, smartphones, and tablets, and the temptation to use these devices all the time can be overwhelming. Distractions like social media and web surfing make it harder for kids to focus. This can hurt their performance and grades just as much as having the TV on and favorite toys and video games nearby. Give them a quiet, clutter-free workspace that is comfortable and inspiring and set firm limits for gadget use. 

3. Dress for Comfort and Business

When the pandemic first hit, and everyone was sent home, many of us found ways to stay in our PJs rather than dressing for work. Nowadays, however, our peers and managers are on to this, and it’s more important than ever to look presentable. But this doesn’t mean moms have to put on uncomfortable pantsuits or a tie. Instead, there are tons of fashionable and comfortable options. This can be flowy tunics with premium leggings or a comfortable wrap dress. Find a balance that makes it easy to run around after the kids and look professional for your Zoom call. 

4. Get Active and Move Often

Taking breaks from the stagnation of remote work is important for both you and your kids. Activities and movement can help break up the monotony of long days inside together. If you can bundle up and go outdoors, take a walk around the block with the dog or do some yard work together. If it gets dark super early, invest in bright outdoor lighting or make playtime more festive. If you need to stay indoors, make playlists together for 20-minute dance parties, play active video games, or do free YouTube yoga or workout videos together. 

5. Go Green

Plants can transform any living space into a peaceful oasis. Not only do they keep the air in your rooms clean and fresh, but they can have the same effect on your mind. Start an indoor container garden with your kids where you can grow houseplants, herbs, or flowers. You can also build and keep a greenhouse together, growing more luscious fruits and vegetables.

Nurturing plants together can be a relaxing activity you share—plus, it can be something of a biology lesson for your kids. Some parents even ask their children to keep a plant alive for several months before agreeing to a pet with more responsibility, like a hamster, cat, or dog.

6. Keep an Open Line of Communication

It’s important we recognize the inconvenience and sacrifice everyone is making in these pandemic days, even and especially the kids. Continue to talk to them about COVID-19, their fears, stresses, and questions. Let them know they can always come to you when they feel overwhelmed, but also explain that you may miss some big clues about their feelings—not because you don’t care, but because you are balancing a lot more than you used to.

This stressful time can also at times be a blessing — we have more time to be together in our homes, learning more about our family members and ourselves. If you try to keep a positive outlook, your kids will, too.