Navigating a Pandemic with 4 Kids

When Felicity was born I never dreamed a year later we’d find ourselves in the middle of a global pandemic. Locked in our home. Unable to shop, dine out, or even play at the park. My school aged kids were suddenly at home doing so crisis version of remote learning.

My kids are 7, 5, 3, and 1. They are young. Full of energy. Curious. They love to go and do and be. Staying home isn’t typically in our routine. When Felicity came along with all of her issues we were more picky with what activities we did and what germs we exposed ourselves was too but we still were out more than we were in.

In early March everything changed. Here are some things I found helpful to navigate the situation and remain a successful and mostly sane mom.

1. Routine. Routine. Routine. During the school year in particular, developing a routine was so vitally important. We woke up. Dressed in normal day clothes. Brushed teeth. Had a good breakfast. And did “mama school” until 11:30. We then had lunch, play, quiet time, and more play until dinner. I know my ability to stay home with my kids makes this all possible but whatever the situation is routine is probably the most important part. I know my kids thrive on predictability. The pandemic has brought so much uncertainty and confusion I think it was helpful (and will be helpful in the coming months) to have a solid routine to fall back on when nothing else is making a lot of sense.
2. Play. We may not be able to go to the park. Or have play dates with many friends. Or go to the zoo or museum but we are playing all day long. I have been encouraging my kids to play together. Play apart. Play quietly, play loudly with energy. Play with purpose. Play with no purpose. We spend the vast majority of the day playing. Dolls, made up animal zoo games, board games, hide and seek. I could go on and on. Play is so important. Often my kids fears and anxiety would come out during play and give us an opportunity to real explore what was going on in their head while still having fun and making connections.
3. Sleep. Initially I was tempted to let my kids stay up later than normal. But still expected them to keep a routine during the day. I quickly learned that our typical bedtime, while pushed back slightly, worked the best for our kids and family. Whatever works for your family I highly suggest sticking with it. It’s part of the routine I talked about earlier.
4. Planning. Every night we talked a little about the next day. If something unusual or exciting was happening I let them know. I think knowing what to expect helped calm that anxiety that I know they feel. Everything was turned upside down in an instant. Dad was home. There was no school. We couldn’t go anywhere. Knowing what to expect helped them so much.

Most of these things are good during non pandemic times also. I tend to be more of a “fly by the seat of my pants” parent so a lot of this is actually new to me. I have found it has helped my kids and family feel a little less chaotic and erratic. I will continue these things well beyond the pandemic and make certain I strongly follow them during our upcoming season of full remote learning with 3 kids in different grades and an infant with intense medical needs.

Whatever works for your family and your situation stick with it! This time is so difficult for all of us. Small changes can help make things feel more manageable.

Stay safe and healthy mamas!