Managing Burnout & Parenting Resources in the Age of Online Learning
Life as a working mother during the quarantine era was beyond challenging, but I’ve been able to walk away with tools that I’ll use again and again. On any given day it would look like getting all three kids to school (sometimes Zoom school), an afternoon of content shoots and meetings, then endless kiddo activities and the never-ending homework help WHILE running multiple businesses out of our home. Stay at home mamas, I see you!
I've been through many burnout moments in the past five to six years, but ESPECIALLY in the past few years. I’ve had to get creative in how I support my kids and still run a successful business and the most helpful thing I’ve done for my sanity and the growth of my kids is looking for outside help.
I’m sharing some of my favorite parenting resources in the age of online learning and what I’ve done to manage burnout.
FOR HOMESCHOOLING
During the pandemic, our kids went to school via distance learning so we learned how to set a place and time in your home for school. Create a schedule that aligns with your routine so when you’re working your kiddos are practicing quiet time, creative playtime or working on school work.
We LOVE online webinars and audiobooks. Online tools like drawing classes and listening to audiobooks is a great way to keep them entertained and engaged.
FOR TUTORING
Parents, have you ever heard of Gopeer.org? If not, get on this!! It’s an incredible resource that connects kids to college tutors. They have over 150 subjects to choose from and you can easily set up a flexible schedule to work around your other weekly commitments (SO needed in our home). And I love that they work with students in an engaging 1:1 online classroom experience. High-quality tutoring but also extremely affordable. All sessions are only $20 an hour!
I love being able to provide each of my kids this 1:1 learning help with whatever they’re challenged with in school. All our kids are at different grades so being able to connect them with a college-aged tutor means they’re much more engaged to learn. No more tears trying to teach material that I as a parent have forgotten or don’t understand. BLESS!
Try a free session HERE or use the code “GPAmbassador”. Let me know how it goes for you and your kiddo.
FOR GAMES & ACTIVITIES
The National Geographic for Kids ONLINE has games, videos and learning tools to entertain your kids for hours. Play, exercise and movement throughout the day is super important! I have a ton of yoga flows for kids on my blog and YouTube Channel as well as family workouts!
FOR MANAGING BURNOUT
Get Out in Nature and Move Your Body —
There’s something about the simplicity and beauty of the natural world that reminds us that our ultimate purpose in life is to simply be the best us we can be. Modern life worries feel so far away when you’re out on a hike or sitting on a beach listening to the ocean waves and that little bit of space can help make stressful situations seem much more manageable. It’s also important to see movement every day. Whether it’s a HIIT workout, yoga flow, run or strength training, try different things every day to feel what works best for you and your body.
Sleep —
I’m really sensitive to my sleep and if I don’t get my average full night’s of sleep it will throw my entire day off or if there are days where I didn’t get enough sleep overnight then I will definitely take a delicious power nap during the day. Your body needs sleep and often when you’re burnt out this can be the reset you need.
Seek Out JOY and Have a Dance Party —
I’ve found my joy by shifting more into each present moment and appreciate the small moments of life these days. It can be as simple as ordering food from a local restaurant, watching a new episode from a good TV show, or spending time with your littles in their bright, beautiful world. When I’m burned out I LOVE to laugh and have a dance party. I dare you to try it! Next time you’re feeling overwhelmed, step away from the source of the stress for a few minutes, turn on your favorite beats, and rock out. It may not feel entirely natural at first, but if you allow yourself to connect with the music and really let your body express any pent up feelings through your movements, you just might find that you can completely turn your mood around in just a matter of minutes!
