Life is complicated for parents working inside or outside the home. You have to consider their child’s needs for structure, education, exercise, social contact, appropriate leisure time, and calm, rational explanations about the situation and balance that with the demands of work.
How hard is it to get your work done while schooling at home?
Some say impossible, some difficult. For most, it’s a struggle…
If it has been your choice to homeschool your child(ren); I applaud you. It's not an easy task but the rewards are great. But, so many had the onus of their child's learning thrust upon them. And we feel un- or underprepared.
Here's the thing...Whether you're a business owner, W2 employee, manager, executive leader, or stay-at-home mom, you get to set the stage for our children, in our own homes. You set the example.
They can see what it is like to work hard and the rewards we can have for doing so.
Or, they can also see us letting our attention and lives be controlled and coerced by - family, phones, laundry - leaving it to someone or something else to determine our behavior.
Kids will do what you do, not what you say. You, as parents, are the ones to frame their future. If they see you being easily distracted from your work by their cries for help, or food, or hugs, they will follow suit.
If your work isn't getting done because of a lack of focus - that is the model they will follow.
Not allowing yourself to be distracted is getting more and more difficult. We have so many different roles to play lately; then there's technology, with all it's notifications and reminders and pings and dings.
How can we practice being "indistractable: and help to teach this important lesson to our kids?
Here are 3 tips to get you started:
Set up a specific area for independent work - yours and theirs. This is where you will go to "work". It sets the mind up to focus on the tasks at hand.
Have a schedule where the kids know when it’s independent work time, when it's co-working time, and when it's time to play. Have the separation like you did when your child was at school and/or you were at work - if it wouldn't have warranted a phone call then it shouldn't be a distraction and pull you or them away from the tasks at hand. (Keep in mind that education is the process of facilitating, not infusing, learning, or the acquisition of knowledge, skills, values, beliefs, and habits). Your children do know how to do things without you.
You are wearing many different hats and the roles are not necessarily interchangeable. Separate them. Take off your mom hat when you are "at" work. Take off your work hat when you are a mom. Don't be too busy - set aside time for each.
Know that positive changes won’t happen overnight - and by the time you get to a comfortable place with it - things will probably change again…but the skills of focus, independence, self-sufficiency, and resilience will follow and serve both you and your child(ren) far into the future.
So if you enjoyed this, please leave a comment below with your biggest takeaway or with any questions that may have come up for you. I will be replying to all comments and encourage you to interact because that is how you will benefit and continue to grow. I also invite you to join our private ENCOURAGE GREATNESS community.
Also, if you know of anyone else who would benefit, please share.
If you need help figuring out what to do during these (or any) trying times...schedule a BREAKTHROUGH SESSION today.
We'll look at your goals, the challenges you're facing, opportunities you might be missing. We'll also uncover hidden problems that may be sabotaging your desired results. You'll leave the session feeling renewed, re-energized, and inspired to get results faster and easier than you thought possible. And you'll have a plan of action to do just that.
"Action is the foundational key to all success." Picasso
MARY KERWIN
is an expert in helping kids to develop the confidence and self-esteem skills that they need to thrive now, and grow into happy, confident, successful adults. Her more than 40 years in education, along with her training as a coach and practical experience gained from raising her own 4 children, give her an understanding of the needs of each child, as well as the needs of a parent. This makes her uniquely qualified to help children, support parents, and nurture tomorrow’s leaders. Her programs provide hands-on experiences for children allowing them to explore and grow while building skills and having fun.
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