Pandemic Parenting: How to Work With Kids Home From School

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Yesterday (Jan 2), we started to get notices that the Shunyi Education Commission determined that international schools should move online, at least partially. Dulwich College Beijing (DCB) will move to e-learning up to Year 9, and The British School of Beijing (BSB), Shunyi will move online except for Years 10 to 13.

Here are some ideas so that you are not completely at sea while trying to hit your own deadlines around e-learning schedules.

I worked from home for over a decade, the last seven years with kids, so I know quite a few hacks. But this blog will focus more on creating a space that will (mostly) work for everyone so you can begin thinking of your home as more of a co-working space during certain hours of the day.

Everyone needs headphones

Unless every person in your household has their own room with work and school space, you’re going to need to tune out the science class once in a while. Conversely, the kiddos don’t need to hear your conference call. Take it from someone who lost her headphones for a week and had to lock herself in her bathroom for daily management meetings. Get all the kids and yourself a comfortable pair of headphones so they can focus on their own work in a shared space.

Create a private space for focused time or meetings

Beyond your bathroom, it’s hard to find a private space when you need to be on a video chat. For a little while, I got away with a standing tray on my bed, but I got sick of bringing work into that personal space. I cleared away a spot near the bedroom window that could only hold a laptop and a small notebook then got a chair that easily tucks away when not in use, and kept the surface clear no matter what happened. Then I could literally turn my back on the rest of the house and focus on my video call or meeting. If you’re doing this solo, it’s harder until they’re older. But for now, I’m able to establish an “If no one’s bleeding, don’t interrupt me” rule that I took from author Arielle Haughee’s advice.

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The kid(s) need their own space for school

This usually ends up being the living room table, but as the kids get older they may need an actual desk area. One option I didn’t think would work at first was to clear their LEGO build table during school days and make that the desk area. Somehow, it helps them to focus. My oldest often likes to fidget with a small build while listening to his teachers, and it helped that we used the play areas for school, so they weren’t tempted to play. Then the last class is over and laptops are cleared for playtime!

Break down your work tasks to stay on track

The above is how I had to organize my work tasks when I worked multiple writing and communications jobs while also acting as a primary caretaker for two young kids. Luckily, one was in school, but the other was too young. By laying out my priority work tasks and how much time they should take in black and white, I was able to stay on track, and also not spend too much time on any one item. If something new came up that I “had” to deal with, I could look at my daily tasks and plainly tell my supervisors that I could pivot to this new thing, but then the newsletter won’t get out in time, or tomorrow’s blog won’t be ready. Workers do not have unlimited time or bandwidth. If you know how much time you need, it’s easy to see how your schedule goes off the rails and make a plan to remedy that rather than feeling overwhelmed.

Prep as many snacks as possible

We call this spread “Mama needs to run a meeting” in my house. I’ve seen parents prepare charcuterie boards with meats, cheeses, and nuts; I’ve used the snack platter as an excuse to clear out the pantry. Whatever your method, give them an assortment of nourishment throughout the day, and not only will energies stay spry, but you won’t have to put a work project on hold to make three different sandwiches to a kindergartner’s specifications.

It’s all hands on deck if you’re home

There’s nothing worse than feeling like your spouse doesn’t pull their weight, and if you’re both home, it’s time to nip that in the bud. Sure, one of your jobs might require more alone time than another, or need to adhere to deadlines in a stricter way. So then you split up the mealtime duties or who keeps the laundry going. And honestly, if your spouse has a problem with it, maybe direct them to the uptick in divorce rates after last year’s lockdown, some of which were caused by (mostly) wives feeling they were not partners at home.

Honor when you – or they – need a change of scenery

Sometimes a brain just needs new stimulation. Even if our spaces to go are limited, I find that switching to just the little common room in our residence helps, or taking a brisk walk to run an errand before trying to finish those last two classes of the day. Even once school started in September, some days the only way I can get them to do homework is to find another focused place, then return to the apartment for playtime and dinner.

Just remember that what works one day may be a disaster the next. Be kind to yourself and your kids, keep an honest line of communication with your colleagues, and we’ll get through whatever the beginning of 2021 throws us.

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Photos: Unsplash, Cindy Marie Jenkins

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