Posts Tagged ‘virtual learning’

As families are going into month seven of working from home and introducing virtual learning, many are struggling with finding the balance between work, family, home and school.

The good news is that many families have found a way to keep up with both the demands of work as well as their loved ones. Families make it work by applying one or more of the following principles to their life: 

• The Art of Setting Limits and Saying “No”: Accepting the fact that you cannot do everything is not a sin, and the word “no” is not a dirty word. Although you want to give it your all for your work and your family you have the right to say “no” once in awhile when you need to.

For instance, you may be in a situation where your boss gives you the option whether or not to work on Sundays. If it is not a job requirement, you have no need about feeling guilty if you tell your boss you need that day to yourself.

Likewise, you have the right to not give in to every single demand that your child or teen may have. You will need to teach them that they cannot have every thing in life that they want.

If it means the difference between sanity and keeping your child happy all the time it may be necessary to tell your child he or she will have to wait for that new toy, new computer, etc. In doing so you will also help your child be content with what he or she has right now.

Furthermore, you will help your child by saying “no” to some of the things they want that they do not need. You can explain to them that family time and love between people is more than just material possessions.

• Effective Time Management: Families function best when they know how to make time for all the things that are important. This is done most simply with the use of a daily, weekly, or monthly calendar.

Although you may not be able to make every family or work function, you can physically set time aside for the events that are most important. Keeping a calendar and/or task list will take your family a long way.

• Task Delegation: One aspect affecting a busy family is finding time for chores as well as work responsibilities and fun time.

The older your children are the more they can share in the household duties. Besides, if the work is divided among the entire family chances are it will free up more time for you to plan for recreation.

• Understanding: The most loving families will understand that you cannot always be there for them.

However, at the same time you realize the importance of your family. A truly loving and understanding has mastered the art of helping each other feel loved even during times of absence.

No family is perfect. It may take awhile to help you as a whole to “get it right.” However, the more quality time you can spend together as a family the stronger you will be.

Also, parents need to remember to spend time alone together. Moms and dads need to still go on dates with one another, as hard as it is sometimes to do especially if the children are still young. In the age of COVID, date nights look a lot different, but it can be unplugging and watching a movie together after the kids go to bed. It can be a walk along the neighborhood, or a take-out and a picnic in the back yard.

TLC For Kids, Inc. has been St. Louis’ premier nanny and babysitting agency for over 30 years. TLC For Kids’ dedicated staff is ready to assist you in finding nannies, tutors, newborn care specialists, sitters and more in Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, Ft. Lauderdale, Jacksonville, Miami, Orlando, Palm Beach, Sarasota, St. Louis, Tampa and more!. Reach us at tlc@tlcforkids.com or 314-725-5660.

Working from home and virtual learning from home, at the same can be challenging. There are many ways to work from home and learn, so here are a few tips and tricks:

1. Be Flexible. When possible, organize your work around your family’s needs and your child’s needs. Consider child care during this time. TLC can help support these needs with a full-time, part-time or private educator, based on your schedule. Save high-priority tasks for times when you know you won’t have distractions, and lesser priority for times your child may need assistance. Divide and Conquer with your spouse or significant other so that neither of you burn out managing the same task / role each time.
2. Define your virtual learning and work-from-home style. Is it comfortable with pjs allowed or do you prefer to get up and dress for the day? Do all tasks need to be checked off or do you go with the flow? Making sure everyone is on the same page will help everyone adjust and meet expectations for the days and weeks ahead.
3. Expect the Unexpected. Door bells will ring, meetings interrupted, technology won’t cooperate. The washing machine will break, you’ll miss a deadline, and you’ll forget to start dinner. Take a breath. It’s okay. Know that others are going through the same thing you are. This too shall pass. Kids take their cues from those around them. Don’t stress. Manage and move forward.
4. Be present. Take frequent breaks, even if it’s 5 minutes to step outside, breath the fresh air and center yourself. The same for the kids. No one expects them to sit for hours doing their school work. Encourage outside play, reading, zero technology times. Many school lessons can be done outdoors – take your book outside. Make dinner as a family and it becomes a science lesson. Take a nature walk and it becomes biology.
5. Communicate. Create an open line of communication with all parties involved. Have weekly family meetings. Discuss what’s coming up and what worked or didn’t work the previous week. Keep a master calendar with important dates, deadlines and notices for everyone to see and refer to as needed.
6. Encourage independence. Children are capable of so many things. Need a snack?  They don’t need to interrupt you during a meeting. Set an area in the kitchen or pantry with acceptable snack items and let them help themselves. Encourage them to set alarms or timers for projects and free time. Keep books, activities, etc., handy for those times they finish their work and do independent play or activities while you wrap up your work.
7. Ask for help. Reach out to TLC for child care needs or assistance with private educators, e-learning aides or tutors. Develop relationships with neighbors or school friends that practice the same COVID protocols you and your family do, and offer to support each other when assistance may be needed. Find a virtual support network you can chat with others and share concerns and feedback. We’re all in this together.
8. Self-Care. Don’t forget to take care of yourself. Give yourself and your children a break. Take a day off and be a family – no work, no school work, no technology. Make sure you’re getting enough rest, are eating healthy and getting outside for walks, bike ride, etc.

As everyone is finding their way juggling work, family and virtual learning, we’re all facing doubts and stressors. We will get through this together.

To assist with the current crisis, TLC is temporarily offering FREE MEMBERSHIP and DISCOUNTED AGENCY FEES to all Medical Professionals and First Responders. We know you cannot work at home and want to help you ensure you have solid care arrangements for your loved ones. Call TLC at 314.725.5660 to learn more and get started.

TLC For Kids, Inc. has been St. Louis’ premier nanny and babysitting agency for over 30 years. TLC For Kids’ dedicated staff is ready to assist you in finding nannies, tutors, newborn care specialists, sitters and more in Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, Ft. Lauderdale, Jacksonville, Miami, Orlando, Palm Beach, Sarasota, St. Louis, Tampa and more!. Reach us at tlc@tlcforkids.com or 314-725-5660.