Staying home voluntarily due to the pandemic seemed simple at first. No school, sleeping in, no excess driving, lots of pajama days… just slowing down the pace a bit. It’s like the world mandated a week of rest at home. Keeping my family organized was on a short hiatus. Now staying home has turned into a little more.

As a professional organizer, I enjoy order and control. I revel in cleanliness, good design, the “less is more” philosophy, and giving chaos the boot. I love connecting deeply with clients in-person.

Yet, it’s interesting how quickly these qualities evaporate with a “shelter-in-place” mandate. New thoughts try to wriggle their way into my home and mind: “why fold laundry and put it away?” “Do the kids really need to pick up after themselves?”

Absolutely. There may be fear and uncertainty during this Covid-19 pandemic, but three things are needed to keep them at bay in both your home and mine.

Routine:

The first day we sat together as a family and decided on a basic structure to our days. We’re morning people, so no going downstairs before 7am. Brush your teeth and get dressed. Meals will be regularly scheduled, so eat when it’s mealtime and help yourself to a snack in-between. Don’t ask us to fix you food if it’s not breakfast, lunch, or dinner. After dinner, the day is done, and we all head upstairs to read, relax, and be quiet. Bedtimes are definitely in effect.

Because my kids are school age, I expect them to manage their daytimes. Two of the three kiddos play instruments and the third studies foreign languages for fun. They have to practice and study.

All three typically have intense exercise routines, so we require them to move their bodies, stretch, and stay focused on their physical health. If the weather is pleasant, we’ll head out for a walk/run/scooter session. If it’s not, find space in house, put on your headphones, and get to sweating. Also, each of us takes time to read daily.

Flexibility:

Within these guidelines, each of the kids can choose when they study, practice, exercise, read, and play. We check in with them at mealtimes. I encourage them to do one or two items on their list directly following a meal.

It’s easier for kids to check something off their to-do list because they’re not busy playing. Putting a hold on playtime to accomplish a task is miserable for all.

How and when they play is up to them. There have been many more video game and device hours than I would normally allow. Watching TV while eating is allowed. Tuning family members out by listening to music or being alone in your room is acceptable. Talking to friends and family is encouraged.

This is how we all stay sane and how parents get their work done. But we expect to see everyone at a meal, and if they haven’t gotten their tasks done by 4:30pm, their evening isn’t going to be free.

Determination:

Mindset and mental health are everything in our household. We encourage, support, and push our kids to be their best on a daily basis. High academic expectations are the norm. Every single day since they were small we’ve spoken with them about personal and social responsibility and how grit and hard work are non-negotiable. These qualities continue to be emphasized as we check in with each other each day.

Fear, anxiety, and all the feelings are totally acceptable, especially during this uncertain time. But determination and routine, with a generous portion of flexibility, gratitude, laughter, and love, will keep us sane and push us (and you) through.