In these strange times of social distancing, shelter in place, and the uncertainty of future plans, moms working “non-essential jobs” are finding themselves suddenly immersed in a new dynamic. Some of you are becoming a stay-at-home-mom for the first time and having to figure out how to juggle the kids round the clock as well as maintaining your sanity. Some of you are figuring out how to work from home while tending to the children’s constant needs—and boy does it seem like they need so much, all the time!

Our society, locally and on a national level, has stepped up to give us an endless amount of support. We have received a generous outpouring of free resources allowing us to take charge of our children’s education firsthand. Wow! What an opportunity.

Also—yikes!

First, let’s tackle the sanity part, because if Mama isn’t sane, ain’t nobody gonna be sane:

1) Deep breaths, Mama

Take a break from social media if the educational tools (and the news and other media outlets) are overwhelming you in this moment. Remember that a break from social media is not at all isolating when you make it a point to stay connected to friends and family in other ways, such as FaceTime and Zoom. FIT4MOM is currently offering great opportunities for this as well. Feel free to come join us for one of our weekly coffee mom chats or wine-down Mondays!

2) Allow yourself to be grateful for these resources

They are free, after all, and you are welcome to choose to accept or decline however many you wish to introduce to your kids. Furthermore, practicing gratefulness each day and making it a regular part of your routine has wonderful benefits to your overall health including the reduction of stress and a boost of endorphins.

3) Keep it simple

In a time when many of us are experiencing the sudden realization that we have no control over anything, take comfort in the fact that you do have control over this. When it comes to deciding how you want your homebound days to look like, there’s no “keeping up with The Joneses” because even “The Joneses” are new to this dynamic of being at home 24/7. You can absolutely work with what you have, even if you think you don’t have much, and you can make choices based on what works best for you and your family.

4) Prioritize your needs

This is not about to-do-lists of what you need to get done—although if the desire to feel accomplished is a need, then that’s absolutely valid. What makes you feel most alive? What gives you energy and strengthens you? What would allow you a sense of normalcy during this time? Make a list if that’s helpful.

Consider exercise, getting outside even if it’s in your backyard to get some vitamin D, and checking in with friends, family, and colleagues. Fit4Mom Burleson-Crowley is currently offering virtual opportunities for all of these things and more, and it has been such a sanity saver for me! I’ve found that when I prioritize my FIT4MOM virtual work-outs and mom chats, my kids get a more fulfilled and fully present mama to play and be with.

5) Keep your ego in check and rid yourself of envy

When you scroll through social media and see what other moms are doing with their children. Do not give in to the temptation to feel envious of anyone. You don’t know their full story from a few images and a quick tagline, or even a long-worded post gushing about their experience.

Perhaps they actually had the worst day and that one moment was the only positive one they’ve had all week. Maybe they are sharing because they seek a sense of connection in these isolating times. Most likely, they are similar to you, willing to try one thing at a time to see what works well for each kid on any given day, knowing it could change in the next moment.

6) You know your kids better than anyone

When looking for something to provide for your kids to do that is educational, keep your focus on the child in mind. Think about who you are doing this for. Mama, they just need you to feel good and solid. If you feel good and solid about yourself, your marriage, your family, and trust that everything will be okay in the end—even if you have to fake it till you make it—then those kids of yours will feel it, too.

Stay tuned for my next blog post which will include a few simple activities you can provide for your children without all the overwhelm.