Thriving at Home

It's no secret that we are living in a different time right now. Some of us have been sent home to work, while our spouses, who are essential, are still going to work. Some of us are working from home with our spouses, while our children play in the background. We are having to navigate making sure our children still learn skills they will need for the future and we are trying to keep it fun while staying safe at home. 

The routine is off on so many levels, and this can be hard when you are caring for children from hard places. We hope today that you will find these tips helpful to you as you navigate the new normal.

Here are some essential steps to help you thrive while you're home. 

EXPECTATIONS

• Let your family know what you expect.
• Explain to them what is going on.
• Set your family up for success. 

DEVELOP A SCHEDULE

• Children thrive on schedules. Especially, children with trauma histories.
• Make a schedule and discuss it with your family.
• Hang it where it can be seen.
• Give warnings before transitions.
• Have snack breaks to give them time to rest their brains.
• Set up your day around your family's needs, not anyone else's.
• Don't compare yourself to social media moms.

GIVE YOURSELF GRACE

• We have all been thrown into a new way of life.
• It is okay if you have days where the routine just doesn't work.
• Give your family love and grace.
• Try and de-stress yourself so that your family does not pick up on your stress. 

As one article put it, we are not home schooling, we are crisis schooling. There is a big difference and we can make this time memorable as we are forced to slow down a bit. I hope you all stay well and enjoy your family time. If there is any thing Fostering Together Gulf Coast can do to ease your stress during this time, please let us know! ​

Mandy Irby and the Fostering Together Gulf Coast Team