This post is dedicated to parents across the world who are, without warning, attempting to juggle the demands of working at home, caring for their child(ren), and simultaneously filling the role of teacher-by-proxy.

First, you are amazing for even attempting such a herculean feat. Second, be compassionate with yourself. There is a reason parents have historically needed to contend with the decision of staying at home, working, or doing a part-time hybrid model that involves both. It is not really possible to do it all. But, given the circumstances, we shall try. This post is written in the spirit of that trying.

As we attempt to negotiate the tensions within a situation that require us to work at home with our child(ren) at home, I thought it might be helpful to share the chart below which addresses the typical attention span of children by age. In general, the rule of thumb is that a child’s attention span is 2 -5 minutes per year of age. It doesn’t take long to realize that, if you are actually going to accomplish anything on the work side of life, you will need to have your back pocket — make that every pocket you have — filled with ideas to keep your kid(s) busy.

The links below will take you to a document that provides a list of activity ideas you could try with your child. I’ve sorted suggestions into the following categories: Indoor Activities, Games, Outdoor Activities, Books, Videos, and Online Resources. Some of the ideas require direct parental involvement. Others, with any luck, you could introduce to your child and then let him/her continue as you attempt to accomplish something else on your “to do” list while working nearby. [Disclaimer: A lot can happen when you take your eyes off your child for even 30 seconds. My youngest teaches me this lesson on a daily basis.]

Eight-Year-Olds

In closing, as we work to juggle the demands of quarantine, we must simply do the best we can. And, when things get stressful, let our children play. They will learn. In the words of education philosopher Maria Montessori, “Play is the work of the child.”

Sending grace, patience, and stamina your way.

Sincerely,

Maggie

An Idea for Every Pocket: Parenting Under Quarantine