In early 2021, many households were in a third lockdown. Parents and carers were juggling jobs, home schooling, meals and support for relatives, and the load fell heavily on whoever was already holding things together at home. That pattern was not sustainable, and the advice here is aimed at getting through a demanding stretch rather than fixing everything.
Set a routine
Structure is the most practical thing you can offer a household. It does not need to be perfect, but trying to hold the main activities of the day at roughly the same times gives everyone something to rely on.
Plan the week
A Sunday planning session makes the week calmer. If you have a partner, do it together.
- Get out planners and diaries. Mark the most important work meetings and any priority learning for children, and plan around them.
- Block your time. Allow more minutes than you think you need, because interruptions will happen.
- If a key meeting falls while young children are around, schedule it for the best time you can and have an engaging activity ready for them.
- Plan meals and cook in bulk where possible.
Build in breaks
Walk away from your workspace. A lunchtime stroll, some time in the garden, a few pages of a book or some exercise gives your brain a rest, and it helps the whole family.
Be honest and drop the guilt
Talk openly with employers or clients about what is realistic. Set boundaries with household members and be clear about what they can and cannot expect. Saying you are fine when you are not does nobody any favours.
Communicate
- Make sure everyone knows the plan for each day.
- Ask others to respect your time and space when you need it, and explain why.
- Encourage independence in children.
- Make sure partners understand your needs as well as their own.
- Lean on friends and extended family, since no one person can meet every need.
Make time for yourself
When you get down time, do whatever helps you relax and stay in the moment. Journaling suits some people because it helps them let go of the day’s stress. Others prefer a favourite series or a long bath.
None of this is about being superhuman. Taking a little time to organise yourself is the surest way to get the necessary things done and keep the family healthy and settled. Readers are welcome to adapt these ideas to their own situation.
Keeping children occupied
When schooling happens at home, it helps to build short blocks of focused work for children and follow them with movement or play. A visual timetable on the fridge reduces the number of times someone asks what happens next. Older children can take on small responsibilities, such as preparing their own snacks or tidying their workspace at the end of the day.
Shared household jobs
Lockdown showed how much invisible work a home generates. Writing the jobs down, then dividing them fairly among everyone able to help, prevents resentment and keeps the load from landing on one person. Rotate unpopular tasks and agree on standards, so nobody has to redo someone else’s work.
Look after your wellbeing
Pay attention to sleep, food and fresh air, which are easy to neglect during stressful weeks. Contact with friends by phone or video offers perspective and a bit of fun. If you are struggling, speak to your doctor or a support service. The advice in this article is general, not professional guidance.
Remember it will pass
Hard months do come to an end. Keep your expectations realistic, celebrate small wins and give yourself credit for coping. A little structure and a lot of kindness, both towards yourself and the people around you, go a long way.
Weekly review
On Sunday evening, take five minutes to ask what worked, what did not and what one thing could be changed for the coming week. Small adjustments, made regularly, keep the routine fitting the household instead of the other way round.
For a more general look at balance, see five areas worth organising.