As we approach the final days of distance learning, I can hardly contain my excitement. While transitioning from the school year to summer break is a welcome change, abandoning our quarantine routine? Absolutely not. Although I dream of a carefree summer where my kids entertain themselves for three whole months, I know that scenario is far from realistic.
We’ve established a routine that works wonders for all of us. So why would we abandon it just because the school year has wrapped up and June is here? If it’s not broken, there’s no need to fix it. I dedicated a month to creating and teaching my children a balanced schedule that outlines what they need to do, when, and why. There’s no way I’ll uproot this system simply because the weather is warmer.
The day before schools closed, I crafted an elaborate plan detailing each child’s responsibilities. At the time, it felt empowering to have some control amidst the chaos. However, just a few days into e-learning, I realized that my initial routine was overly ambitious. We opted to simplify it significantly without completely scrapping it. Finding that necessary balance was essential. Predictability and structure are vital, especially for kids (and anxious moms like me).
As a mom of four, we face two choices: either allow our home to descend into a chaotic mess or create a structured routine. There’s no middle ground. I want my children to be able to glance at the schedule posted on the pantry door and follow it with minimal guidance. I’m not interested in running a boot camp where I dictate their every move.
After two months of fine-tuning, our routine has become second nature. Mornings begin with breakfast, brushing teeth, and getting dressed, followed by schoolwork. This summer, we’ll transition from school assignments to focused skill practice. After a short work session, it’s time for “recess,” which includes outdoor activities like biking and basketball, often accompanied by a popsicle treat.
Once we’ve burned off some energy, we tackle chores. Yes, my kids do chores—two assigned tasks each day, displayed on the pantry door. They’re manageable responsibilities, as I can’t do everything alone. Chores foster responsibility and teamwork among children.
If time allows, we squeeze in more schoolwork before lunch. Once we clear our plates, it’s time for another round of “recess.” Too much sitting can make kids restless and irritable, and I want to avoid that. After recess, we dedicate half an hour to reading. Due to library closures, my children have been swapping books, making this reading time special for us all. For the first time in years, I’m also joining them on the couch with a book.
Next, we tackle one more chore before afternoon snacks. My kids are like little sharks if I don’t have structured meal and snack times. Our snacks are practically meals—my kids eat a lot! After eating, we shut down the kitchen and head outside for water play. When it gets too hot, we turn to yoga or dance videos.
By 4:30 or 5:00 PM, my kids are usually showered and in pajamas, ready to unwind. Screen time is allowed only after they’ve completed their daily tasks. Surprisingly, they enjoy this structure and appreciate knowing when they can have screen time. While my husband and I prepare dinner, the kids happily zone out. We share dinner as a family, followed by a movie and bedtime.
As much as I wish I could be the spontaneous mom who goes with the flow, with four kids—some with special needs—that’s simply not feasible. A predictable routine provides safety and stability for us all. With the usual summer activities on hold, it’s up to us to keep our kids entertained, and we’ve had two months to prepare for this long summer.
Of course, my kids will bicker, complain about snacks, and I’ll still struggle to find time to work. Our routine isn’t a magical solution for peace and productivity, but it certainly helps immensely. Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 situation, we’re making the best of it. The alternative is chaos, which benefits no one. Our quarantine routine has given us the stability we need to thrive.
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In summary, maintaining a structured routine during the summer allows our family to thrive amid the chaos of the ongoing pandemic. It provides the predictability we crave, helping us navigate these challenging times with a sense of stability.