Week 2 of HBL

As we enter the 2nd week of Home-Based-Learning since the Circuit-Breaker Measures were put in place, some of us might have gotten into the swing of things and are settling in to this new arrangement while some of us might see new challenges surfacing. Here are 5 tips on how to balance learning, work and play within the confines of your home! :) Scroll right to the bottom for a list of hotlines you can call should you require any assistance or if you just require someone to talk to!:)

5 ways to balance working from home with your kids


1. Strengthen some family values in this period
· With everyone at home, this is a great time to strengthen some family values in the household.
· For example, speak kindly to each other, help around the house

2. Communicate your needs and clarify expectations
· Get on the same page
· Communicate your needs and clarify expectations (Be it with your spouse, your child or your boss)

3. Set your priorities to manage expectations
· With both work and home duties coming together, we understand that it can get quite overwhelming.
· Setting priorities helps to manage expectations as you work from home in this season.
· What are some of your non-negotiables? For example, spending time with your child, one hour of self care time a day.
· What are some things you can close one eye on? For example, a little mess at home, your kids playing noisily at home (because honestly, where else can they go?)

4. Stay connected to your community and support systems
· Safe distancing not social distancing, let’s remain connected to our community and support systems even as we get physically cut-off from our friends and relatives.
· Be intentional about setting aside time to do an activity together over online platforms
· Call and/or text your family and friends – check in on how they’re doing and share about how you are doing

5. Be creative, adapt and have fun with your kids
· Be prepared and be willing to adapt as different situations arise at home. Children often make messes but instead of stressing out, these can be made fun! (e.g. child spilled a drink? Make the clean up fun “let’s see how fast you can clean it up!”)
· Some fun suggestions on doing things differently: share with your children what you do at work, and get your child to share what they do in school, prepare a meal together, learn a skill together... the list is endless! Go and have fun with your family in this season!


Adapted from: weforum.org