Hi friends—how’s everyone holding up? What a wild season we’re living through. Social distancing may be necessary, but let’s be honest: it takes a whole lot of internal strength to manage. And while I see plenty of posts about baking bread, reading novels, or reorganizing every closet in the house, I can’t help but laugh and think: but what about those of us with kids? How exactly are we going to make it out alive? Joking… but not really.
Like most families, we got the news that Nate’s school will be closed for the foreseeable future. At first, I panicked. Then, I remembered: panic doesn’t help anyone. We needed a plan. So I reached out to all of you, gathered up a ton of ideas, and started piecing together a rhythm for our days at home. Here’s where we landed.
Why We’re Sticking to a Routine
I’ve learned that kids thrive on predictability, and honestly, so do I. Having a schedule not only gives Nate something familiar to hold onto, it also keeps me from feeling like we’re drifting through endless hours with no anchor.
In our house, mornings start with a little bit of TV. This isn’t about screen time guilt—it’s about survival. Those first few minutes give me a chance to make coffee, throw together breakfast, and generally wake up without feeling like I’ve been catapulted into chaos. During normal school days, I’d also be packing lunches, so keeping that task—even in a pared-down version—adds a sense of routine.
And yes, we’re still getting dressed for the day. I know it sounds minor, but it makes a big difference. When we’re all in pajamas, I tend to feel sluggish and unmotivated. Plus, the whole process of picking clothes, wrangling kids into outfits, and brushing hair takes up a solid 20 minutes—something I’ll happily fill the day with right now. Sasha gets her little moment in the spotlight too, perched in her chair while Nate reads nearby and I get her dressed.
Borrowing from the Classroom
One of the biggest helps has been the daily schedule Nate’s school shared with families. While we can’t replicate everything exactly, it provides a structure that we’ve been able to adapt for home life. Here’s the rough outline:
- 8:15 – Arrival Activity & Table Toys
Something simple to start the day—puzzles, Legos, or coloring. It’s calm, contained, and sets the tone. - 8:30 – Circle Time, Music & Movement
We sing songs, do a dance video, or even just march around the living room. It’s a good energy release first thing in the morning. - 9:15 – Snack & Reading
This is usually a piece of fruit and some water, paired with a story or independent “reading” time for Nate. - 9:30 – Activity Centers
At school, this would be rotating stations. At home, it might be playdough one day, building blocks the next, or a simple craft. - 10:15 – Journals & Story Time
We’ve started our own version of “journals,” which is just Nate drawing or scribbling while I write down what he tells me. It’s fun to see his imagination spill onto the page. - 10:45 – More Music & Movement
If there’s one thing kids need at home, it’s lots of opportunities to move. Whether it’s a dance-off, yoga for kids, or jumping jacks in the hallway, this slot is a sanity saver. - 11:00 – Lunch Prep, Handwashing & Potty Time
Practical but necessary. Having it scheduled keeps the day flowing. - 11:30 – Outdoor/Gross Motor Play
If the weather’s decent, we go outside. Bubbles, chalk, scooters, anything to burn energy. If not, we improvise with obstacle courses inside. - 12:00–2:00 – Nap/Quiet Time
Sasha naps, Nate has “quiet time” in his room, and I finally get a breather. Even if Nate doesn’t nap, the alone time helps reset the day. - 1:45 – Enrichment Activity
This has become one of my favorite parts of the day. We rotate between yoga, art projects, simple science experiments, or even a no-bake cooking activity. It’s messy, but memorable. - 2:15 – Snack Break
Because kids are always hungry. Always. - 2:45 – Outdoor Time Again
Fresh air round two. By now, everyone (myself included) is usually bouncing off the walls, so this slot is non-negotiable. - 3:15 – Wrap Up
At school this would be dismissal, but for us it’s winding down. Sometimes it’s a movie, sometimes it’s a call with family, but it marks the close of the “school day.”
Giving Ourselves Grace
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that the schedule is more of a guide than a strict rulebook. Some days flow beautifully. Other days, nothing goes as planned and we just do what we can to get by. That’s okay. This time isn’t about being perfect parents or running the most Pinterest-worthy homeschool—it’s about keeping everyone sane, safe, and cared for.
So while I may not be mastering sourdough bread or alphabetizing my spice rack anytime soon, I do feel good about creating a little order in our otherwise unpredictable days. For us, that structure is survival.
We’ll get through this—one snack, one dance break, one nap at a time.
