How Parents Are Coping with Having Children at Home Full Time
Parents coping having their children at home
There’s a lot of anxiety and nervousness in many homes across the country. After many distracts closed schools and extended spring breaks to prevent the spread of the coronavirus or COVID-19, parents are left struggling with what to do with their kids, while often managing working full time with no childcare available - and how to talk to them about the unprecedented disruption this situation has caused around the world.
We asked our community on our Instagram to tell us and share their stories of how they are coping. Here’s what our community had to say:
1. “I have two boys that were diagnosed with autism five years ago they are 8 and 10…Today’s going a lot better then yesterday. I wanted to share a few things that help us. I’ve been homeschooling my boys since July, I went through a lot of things that we tried that didn’t work, here are a few tips that have been working for us. I try and get book work done between 830am-11am, that way it’s done and out of the way then we can play and learned doing more hands on activities they work for 15- 25 minutes then are rewarded with a 5 minute break, after the break the reward is put away and then back to work. Both of my boys are very hyper so having items that keep them interested and motivated is key to keeping the work load up and fun. We don’t have cable or Wi-Fi. So, I’ve downloaded movies. We have only 1 tv in the house so movie time is a big treat. Can be useful for (motivation to get schoolwork done) YouTube only with an adult. Our I pad has internet service another big treat for (motivation to get schoolwork done) screen games are limited to 20 minutes and then hour break. I have found the more screen time my kids have the more hyper they are on top of already being hyper a timer helps. Sometimes I use the timer on my phone or the timer on the stove we have a portable timer as well that way they know when the break is over and when work needs to begin again when the boys are getting a break I’m most likely getting a break too. Writing out a visual schedule so they know what to expect and what time to expect helps with their anxiety. Hope this helps.” - love__rose__
2. It’s very difficult but we are doing many sensory activities as we can.” - stunnavall
3. “It’s tough because I couldn’t stay home any longer. I had to return to work, and finding someone trustworthy enough to look after him while I work was also hard. But he does love going to school, he really misses it.” - mm_201977
4. “We are taking it one day at a time and completely ignoring all those perfect homeschool schedules that were circulating on social media. My daughter has anxiety too so things get more complicated with that. I am letting her lead the way and trying to work on more life skills such as doing the dishes, cleaning, or helping with cooking. I started a journal to share our struggles with other moms on my business Instagram account. So far some moms have opened up as well. This is hard for so many of us.” - ustoogymnastics
5. “Taking it day by day, and instead of getting frustrated about doing an overwhelming amount of worksheets that I get in my email every day, we try to take it easy. Homework can wait. We walk outside, watch favorite TV shows in between with some educational programs from PBS.” - katushala
6. “It’s not easy but we are trying to stick to a routine and keeping busy with experiments, books and Legos.” -jsacr3dtions
7. “We aren’t having any difficulties. We have FaceTimed his teachers, sensory bin activities, brain break activities and so much more! I’m enjoying being able to be his teacher while at home.” - dar_lop
8. “My son asks for his teachers and therapists every day.” - Sassymom_deepz
9. “Not so good! My son has autism, he's about rules and schedule.” - lovehugoangelethan1
10. “It's been a tough transition. We have a schedule that we put together with some input from her teacher. We go over it every morning before we start "school". - mouseofadifferentcolor
11. “I'm hoping not to lose my job since my position changed to working from home. My son becomes overwhelmed and yells, all my calls from home for work are recorded. I try to call him, but it upsets him more. He is accustomed to schoolteachers and extended school through summer since he was 4, he is now almost 10. I can’t afford to lose my job; HR is working on a solution.” - babigurl75
12. “Aj went poop in the potty today! He usually only does pipí so we’re excited other than that movies Legos coloring block and trains. I also allow him to have screen time as needed not stressing over schedules or routines for now! There is so much going on right now we’re just enjoying the family all together.” - mari3lle_g
13. “F in disaster, hiding in closets, got to take her out for a walk at times. Bored to death with this lockdown.” - sterlingshipstern
14. “We set up a sensory room with xmas lights and pillows in the closet! And we are working on scooting/biking/transitioning skills during our daily walk!” - shira.sultan
15. “We put a trampoline in the living room, keeping a routine in place, lots of outside play and swimming when it’s sunny. I’ll execute plan b. giant ball pit if necessary or when the shine wears off the trampoline.” - theadultier_adult
16. “Schedule is key for my son. As long as we follow our daily routine, he’s ok, and of course playing on his iPad a little more is keeping him happy too.” - ausomecandleco
17. “Im not. He’s asking for his rutina with tantrums and yelling. It’s hard.” - gigi0712
Thank you to everyone who took the time to share your stories. You can also find tips on how families can cope with the closure of schools and services for their kids with autism here.
Everyone stay healthy, safe and positive!