Maintaining Sanity in times of Insanity - A Mother's Perspective

The academic year has just passed us by and while we are still getting acquainted to the virtual learning environment, the next academic year is already knocking at the door (for some boards in April and for some in June).  

As we gear up for the new academic year, here is my conversation with the lil' one (in brief) who is about to kickstart the new academic year from next day (12th April).

10:00 pm - Liz (All excited): Momma, which compass box should I take to (virtual) school tomorrow...the regular pink one or the orange double decker one or the pouch with the princess picture on it or the simple blue pouch. 

Me: How does that matter...because you are going to attend from home. 

Liz: No momma, you have to tell...

Me: Okay, take the pink - simple one...easy to open and close.

Liz: No...I want to take the orange colour - double decker one.

Me: Then why did you ask me when you have already made up your mind? 

Liz: Just like that.

Any guesses on how I must have reacted? 😐

Representative Image: Pexels

Kids and their fascination for stationary items is just beyond my understanding!

This is just one incident, but imagine such endless and often meaningless conversations that makes you feel like ripping your hair apart; especially when you are in middle of some important work - staring at the laptop screen. 

With the second wave of covid and the stringent guidelines, work from home and virtual learning seems to have extended. And in this boundaryless office at home, the lil' one pops up anytime, setting an apt example of open door policy, often leading to delay in task at hand. Maintaining sanity in these times of insanity is quite challenging for many mothers and everyone has their own way of dealing with it. I would like to share a few things that has helped me to deal with such situations:

Make a Daily Schedule & Share it with the Child: Sounds a tad bit professional for the household, but it is an amazing practice for teaching organizing skills and time management to the child at an early age. Mention clearly that during the working hours, nobody should loiter around or talk/ask unnecessarily as it causes distraction leading to more delay in work. 

Include Short Breaks in Between: Include multiple short breaks in between for interaction or just to keep an eye on what they are doing. Check their assignments or activities in these breaks and give them some stars and smileys that can motivate them to do better.

Make Time for Mother-Baby Interaction: It is said that working mothers spend less time with their kids but they often tend to spend quality time. Set aside at least one hour daily for some quality time that will enhance your bonding. This could be used for interacting, reading stories, playing games or simply cuddling.😊

Channelize your Expressions in the Right Direction: Don't ever hold back your expressions when angry, frustrated, happy, sad etc. Just express it, but ensure to channelize it in the right direction so as to teach your child the importance of expressing feelings from the young age. Remember, being explicitly reactive to every situation is again not desirable.

Here's hoping you have loads of sanity in these insane times! 😉