We are all living through extraordinary and trying times. We have a virus that humanity has never seen and we are all trying to figure out how to deal with it. We are currently in lock down and kids have been home schooling for the last two weeks. I can see they are working hard and not trying to stress about the situation. This may be our new normal for the unforeseen future. We are not sure how long this will last and do not want to add undue stress to them but we should also let them know this is our new reality. Here are some ways we have been dealing with it. Granted my children are older and teens so this might not work for younger children.

Try to set a routine and expectations and guidelines. They must logon and finish their assignments by a certain time. They should still get ready and dressed for the day. They still have to do their daily chores. Teenagers are very social creatures so I encourage them to video chat with their friends. We also take the time to video chat with family members that live far away.

I encourage this as a time to eat together as a family. We have actually been trying new recipes and cooking together and baking desserts.

I encourage the kids to go out for at least 30 minutes and exercise away from others, just around the neighborhood. They walk or run or bike. Fresh air is always important and making sure they get their Vitamin D. This is a good time to talk to them about diet and nutrition and how important exercise is for mental stress.

Play games together and try a puzzle together. Find a show and watch it together.

Most importantly, we have been trying to pray together. Trying to count all that we have to be grateful for. I want them to know God has a plan and maybe we all needed this time to reconnect with each other and ourselves. We must have faith that God will lead us out of the dark times and we should learn our lessons and not return to our old ways. I hope my children learn that faith and family are the most important things in life.