I would love to allow my four kids to run wild during this period of social isolation, mostly to carve out some much-needed personal time. In a perfect world, they’d engage in joyful play and learning all day long. We’d then come together around the kitchen table, sharing laughs and snacks before retreating to our own spaces in the house or yard. But let’s be real—this scenario is far from achievable.
I’m that Karen who has imposed a strict quarantine schedule for my children. You know, the one that many other parents scoff at. “Who needs a schedule?” they chuckle. I understand their perspective. My dependence on a daily routine may seem pretentious and unrealistic during this unprecedented global crisis, where our kids are learning remotely and parents are juggling work-from-home responsibilities. Yet, without our schedule, I can’t help but feel our family would descend into chaos.
Many think that moms like me, who establish and follow a quarantine schedule, are channeling 1950s homemakers—baking artisanal bread and crafting with their kids before hosting sing-alongs. Trust me, I am not donning pearls, heels, or an apron. My children are not dressed in crisp outfits while they play croquet or gather flowers. Not even close.
Another misconception is that my adherence to a strict schedule signifies that I’m attempting to do it all. In reality, we’re far from it. We’ve let go of numerous activities out of necessity. For the sake of our sanity, we’ve missed some school assignments, postponed FaceTime “dates” with family, and indulged in too much screen time and snacks. A schedule doesn’t mean there’s no room for flexibility.
You may wonder why I bother with structure when the world seems to be falling apart. The truth is, for us, having a routine is crucial for maintaining balance. Two of my children require predictability, while another needs clear expectations and manageable tasks. All four are engaged in distance learning, meaning I’m juggling four different schedules alongside my own work commitments and my husband’s full-time job, which he now does entirely from a card table in our closet.
Every morning, I wake up to a slew of emails filled with additional instructions and changes, often before I’ve had my coffee. As emails continue to trickle in throughout the day, I find myself darting between each child, offering support wherever needed. The landscape is constantly shifting.
Our schedule provides a solid foundation for us all, including my child with special needs and myself as I navigate generalized anxiety disorder. Reliability is what keeps us grounded. That website my son is supposed to use for spelling may crash, but we’ll be having a snack at 3:00 PM, come what may.
One of my kids has ADHD, while another is just full of energy. When they don’t get enough physical activity, it becomes disruptive for everyone. Hence, we have three scheduled “recesses” each day. This isn’t a luxury; it’s essential. Plus, we all benefit from moving our bodies and soaking up some sunshine.
Our routine revolves around mealtimes. We rise, enjoy breakfast, get dressed, and kick off the day with some physical activity. My well-rested kids are bursting with energy. Once we’ve burned off some wiggles, they dive into schoolwork, music practice, and one of their two daily chores.
At noon, we break for lunch and repeat the morning agenda with schoolwork and a second chore. Once those are completed, we have an afternoon snack. Any leftover assignments or chores get tackled afterward, followed by outdoor play (weather permitting), and showers. After that, they relish their beloved tech time while I work and prepare dinner. Post-dinner, we unwind with a movie before heading to bed. They usually crash early, exhausted from the day’s activities, and without an alarm clock, they can sleep in a bit longer if they wish.
How do I know this approach is effective? When we attempt to relax our schedule on weekends, the fallout is severe. The kids either complain of boredom or cling to me for entertainment.
It’s been over a month in isolation, and I recognize how tough this has been on all of us. We’re all navigating this challenging time, some days more than others. The schedule we’ve established serves as the backbone we need to persevere when the world feels upside down.
Don’t mistake me; even with our well-structured routine, there are still mood swings, meltdowns, and sibling squabbles. We’re not living in some idyllic fairy tale. I’m just trying to get through each day like any other parent. Creating a routine isn’t about superiority; it’s about maintaining some semblance of order in a chaotic, overwhelming environment.
If you find yourself pondering a color-coded chart for your family, know that you’re not alone. Don’t feel guilty for wanting to impose some organization amidst the chaos. We’re all striving to thrive in these uncertain times. If that makes me a Karen, I’m perfectly fine with it. For more insights on managing parenting during these times, check out this related blog post here.
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In summary, I embrace my role as the ‘Karen’ with a strict quarantine schedule. This routine is not just a preference; it’s a necessity for our family’s well-being during these tumultuous times. Organization and structure help us maintain our balance, ensuring that we navigate this period of social isolation as smoothly as possible.