How To Survive A Quarantine with Kids

So much has changed in our world the past few weeks surrounding the Corona virus. It’s a scary time but also, I realize how resilient and strong we are with each passing day of this crisis. It’s challenging to manage, so much is uncertain but so many of us are finding ways to stay positive, help others and make the best of this difficult situation.

Naturally, the first week of quarantine was a pleasant welcome and contrast to the hustle and busy-ness of our day-to-day lives; we got to sleep in a little longer, indulge in comfort foods and not be tied down to any schedule- it was great! But, like many are feeling by now, we’re over it and yet we will most likely be in quarantine for some more indefinite time. It’s a challenge but we are determined to make the best of it, while keeping our sanity in check.

Here are some tips for not just surviving but possibly even thriving during a quarantine with your kids:

Eat Clean

It might be tempting to veg on the couch while doing all your Netflix bingeing but, now is not the time to let ourselves go. The truth is, being quarantined indefinitely is stressful enough as it is and will require us to nourish our bodies.

Build Up Your Immune System

The fear of catching the virus has made a lot of people take an interest in boosting their immune systems naturally. Boosting your vitamin C intake (strawberries, sauerkraut, citrus fruits), getting enough sleep and eating cleaner are sure ways to get your immune system in fighting shape.

Stay Hydrated

Drinking plenty of fluids go hands in hand with eating cleaner. I’ve been adding coconut water to my diet and it’s pretty amazing.

Include Your Kids

There is no getting around the fact we will be at home, indefinitely, with our kids. It’s a tough pill to swallow but when I realized that I needed to start including my kids in daily activities rather than sending them away so I could get stuff done, it made everything a lot less stressful. Children should see and learn how to run a household and there’s no better time than homeschooling (even if it’s by default) to have them learn real world skills. I’ve been including the girls more frequently with day-to-day chores; prepping meals, clearing the table, cleaning and organizing. They feel like they are contributing and it’s an excellent confidence booster. And I get some help so I am less grumpy.

Have a Schedule

It became clear after a week of “freestyling” during the quarantine that this was not going to be sustainable. Children thrive in structure and right now they are not getting that. I put together a schedule that allows for some free time, reading time and even connecting with friends while still allowing them to get their classwork and housework done. I don’t beat myself up if we don’t follow it to a tee but it does bring some order to the day when we all know what’s expected.

Have Supplies

I can’t begin to tell you how much being properly stocked has saved me from severe anxiety. Not only have we been stocked pretty well, I’m thankful that the girls have everything they need to feel “entertained". They have plenty of books, arts and crafts, toys and their devices to help defeat boredom.

Declutter

Decluttering is one of those tasks that most us feel we need to do but never have the time to get around to it. Well, now we have all the time to declutter and organize our space which helps since we are spending so much time indoors now.

Stay Connected

There are so many options to stay virtually connected during a quarantine. From Zoom meetings, FaceTime and a bunch of other apps (and just a good ol’ phone conversation), don’t let the quarantine make you feel even more isolated.

Go Outside

Clearly, social distancing is a priority but if you’re able to go outside, get fresh air (and vitamin D), it’s a great way to break up the day, get the kids engaged and maybe even get some exercise. The girls and I have been either taking a walk or going on bike rides after dinner and we love it.

Get Back To Basics

There’s a wide sentiment that all of what’s going on is for a higher cause and it’s God’s way of forcing us to connect with our families and our selves. While that definitely may be true it’s forcing many of us to reconnect to the basics; breaking bread with our families, taking care of ourselves, being still and grounding ourselves on what’s important.

BE Realistic

Luckily, I haven’t had to hear “I’m bored” too much but I’m sure it will happen and sometimes I can see that the girls seem a little restless (I do too!) but I try not to dwell on it. Boredom is to be expected and it forces us to be creative.

How are you making this quarantine more manageable?