The Self-Care Mom

As more TV stations are reporting on the coronavirus outbreak it’s important for families to discuss what’s going on with their children.

Being home for two weeks sounds like plenty of time to make sure everyone understands what’s going on and why places are closing down.

For children in extra-curricular activities, or parents who don’t have the option to work from home, it might seem like the end of the world.

Whether you’re searching for ways to entertain a child or multiple, it’s important to remember the basics: attention, love, and kindness.

It will get stressful indoors with the kids. You might run out of patience, and feel like hiding in a closet just to get time for yourself.

That’s okay. From one introvert to the next, you will have time for yourself.

Why Discuss The Coronavirus Outbreak With Kids

We’ve been watching the news with the kids since our firstborn was a year old. It’s been a great way to help keep them informed and to discuss issues present in today’s society.

As parents, it’s our job to educate kids about the world around them. Whether you decide to use the media or create your own depiction of what’s going on, the important part is getting the point across to those you love.

With kids home for the next two weeks (potentially more), there’s no telling how this will turn out in the long run.

Whether you’ve decided to homeschool your children on their days off from school or to let them rest, you’ll need to stay calm. Do your best to keep things as normal as possible for your family.

For us, normal means a steady schedule and stocking up on the essentials. If you haven’t already done so, create a schedule that works for you and your loved ones. This will come in handy while we wait to hear what’s going on with the coronavirus outbreak.

If you compare our homeschool schedule to our everyday schedule, you’ll notice we’re trying to keep them the same for the kids.

The only difference is we’ll be teaching the kids together instead of dropping our oldest off at his elementary school.

Our everyday schedule does put the kids to bed early. The reason we do this is to throw in self-care at night. It gives me enough time to focus on myself and the things I’d like to accomplish before the day is through. Also, it allows me enough time to clean up the house before my husband arrives.

We’ve shared thoughts on bedtime routines, and ways we create weekly schedules for our family. These tips come in handy while raising multiple children.

5 Ways To Cope With The Coronavirus Outbreak

Stocking up on essentials is key. For those of us in South Florida, it’s important to note how close we are to hurricane season. Here are five ways you can deal with the news of the virus with your family and friends.

1. Donate what you don’t need.

Sometimes when there’s a panic, people will overstock on items they don’t really need. Instead of going back to the store for a refund, why not give it to someone in need?

Think of shelters who might need supplies for hurricane season or just for everyday use.

2. Wash often and when necessary.

Although many are saying to wash your hands, it’s also a good idea to wash your clothes and yourself as often as possible. Yes, the focus is on the coronavirus outbreak, but there are other things that can be transmitted when large groups of people get together.

After touching objects, like doorknobs and even your phone, you’ll want to wash your hands and these objects as well.

3. Keep you and your loved ones busy.

Whether you have board games or prefer video games, it’s always a good idea to get everyone involved in a little competitive fun. You can always look at the family games available on Amazon.

Our favorite games to play as a family include:
– Monopoly;
– Checkers;
– Connect 4;
– Chess;
– Battleship;
– Dominoes; and
– Parcheesi.

4. Make time for the essentials.

Yes, it’s great to relax. However, the kids will be home for over a week. It would be helpful to set up some time for them to work on learning something as well.

Offer them learning materials they can work on their own. Whether it’s learning through play or practicing their math skills, doing so will give you time to tackle things around the house. You can throw in some together time in the kitchen as you prep lunch and/or dinner. BONUS: Great math lesson when you measure out the ingredients.

5. Nourish your body with the good stuff.

For some, it’s all about what you eat, and it is! In fact, the best medicine is food. What you put into your body will reflect how you feel.

Taking vitamins daily as well as consuming the foods that have the nutrients your body needs will protect you from unforeseen illnesses. Protect your children by offering them more fresh foods over processed ones. Use the time together to teach your family about the importance of self-care.

How are you coping with the coronavirus outbreak? Have you discussed it with your kids?