Survive + Thrive: Days at Home with Kids

FamilyLifestyle

May 11

By: Khalilah Shelton

Have you ever heard the saying “The days are long but the years are short.” as it pertains to child rearing? I know many of us have been experiencing long days with our kiddos at home. The tasks of educating, training, keeping our homes and working has escalated, but there is still a village available to help you through these times. Here at The Urban Christian Woman we seek to be the e-village you need to help get you through these odd and sometimes hard times. We recognize the disparities between school districts and their abilities to provide resources to students to facilitate online learning. We know that some homes rely on their cell phone as the only wifi hotspot to support their children’s internet needs. We know what it's like to go from a routine where everyone is spread out throughout the day to everyone being at home and possibly unemployed. We are walking alongside each of you through this. That being the case, we would like to provide some resources that will help make the days manageable and keep you somewhat sane.

But he [Jesus] said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. -2 Corinthians 12:9-10

One huge fact that I would love to encourage us with is that we are able, through Christ, to do this! He has strengthened us with what we need to be in order to be who He has called us to be, even in this chaotic season.

Here are 8 tips and reminders to help us survive and thrive in the days ahead:

Kids are suffering too. When your world gets abruptly turned up-side-down it can be unnerving. Imagine being a six year old and you can't go to school anymore. Our children miss their friends and teachers. They miss the routines of lunchtime and recess. It is helpful to take a moment to empathize with them.

Give yourself grace and time to adjust. All of this is new; stores being closed, wearing masks, online classes, no recreation centers. It's all an adjustment in one way or another. The Lord’s grace is sufficient, so receive His grace and be gracious to others.
Rely on the Holy Spirit to help you. In our weakness His power is made perfect. Do not cower away from your weaknesses but embrace the power of the Lord.
Make a schedule. Make a weekly schedule where you are able to see what needs to be done during your days. A schedule helps you to allocate your time, take much needed breaks, helps with meal times and keeps the day moving along. It is easy to assume that you have lots of time to spare, but a schedule will maximize that time. It also helps me in those moments when everyone is crying and I have lost track of time. I will refer to the schedule and notice that it is very close to nap time so I adjust my expectations and activities accordingly.
Maintain your personal time with the Lord. Whether your time consists of an in depth study or a time of prayer, don't give it up. The dishes can wait, cereal is an acceptable breakfast, laundry isn't going anywhere. Take time with the Lord.
Have set wake and bedtimes. This will help you and your family know when the day starts and ends. Make your wake time an hour or so before the kids’. It is hard to start the day playing catch up.
Have set school times. Don't let school work linger all day long. If your child performs better in the mornings, make morning the school time. If they do better in the evenings, make afternoon/evening your school time. Just don't make it all day.
Make time for play and crafts. Let kids get creative and have fun. Playing gives them much needed exercise and lets them release some of the tension of the day. Give yourself a play time as well. Take a walk or do some activity that refreshes you.
Prepare dinner during breakfast. I know this sounds crazy, but this is a huge life hack. Prepare dinner while you are already in the kitchen. Dirty up all the dishes at once and wash them when you're done. Put everything together so that you can just pop dinner in the oven or microwave and serve it up.

I pray that these tips help with this new normal and help the day go a little more smoothly. You are not alone, sister. The Lord is with you and we are walking this walk with you too! Be encouraged as you survive and thrive.

Resources:

Bible study:

Know Yo Bible (https://www.theurbanchristianwoman.com/knowyobible)

YouVersion Reading Plans (https://www.bible.com)

New City Catechism (http://newcitycatechism.com)

New City Catechism Kids (https://www.crossway.org/books/the-new-city-catechism-for-kids-tpb/)

Children’s learning:

ABCya (https://www.abcya.com)

Reading Eggs (https://readingeggs.com)

RazKids (https://www.raz-kids.com)

CoolMath (https://www.coolmath.com)

Meal resources: