School free? No panic!
A dream comes true for children, but for many parents it is pure stress: The fact that schools are closed almost everywhere in Germany presents many families with completely new challenges. Especially when both parents work in the home office, but also have to look after the children at the same time, the nerves are quickly bare. But if you keep a few things in mind, the time off school can also quickly be a nice opportunity for families to grow closer together in the crisis.
Boredom: The school-free boss
If the children are self-employed, everything goes well for parents who have to work at the same time. But we all know from experience how soon we can get back to the next "I'm so bored!" arrived. But it is also too tricky: the children expect the parents to take care of them (that is their right), and depending on the job, the parents have to function somehow in the home office and be able to take phone calls, video conferences or concentrated work phases undisturbed. This is somehow unsatisfactory for all sides – the parents have the feeling that they have to tear themselves apart (and do no justice to either side). And the children are unsettled – after all, mom and dad are there and should be available as contacts. A clear structure provides a remedy here – if clear times are discussed with the children in which the parents are not disturbed, this ensures clarity. Whoever creates a kind of "timetable" for the daily routine gives the children structure and orientation that makes it easier for everyone.
Play outside – or not?
Of course, the children shouldn't get a camp freak and urgently need exercise. This requires a sense of proportion: The crowded playground is probably not a good idea, just like group appointments with friends. If you have a plot of land with a garden, you can of course count yourself lucky. But this is not a must: Children can also play normally outside as long as they don't get together in large groups. Soccer tournament? Bad idea. Street chalk, jumping rope, frisbee with siblings? Go ahead!
Keep calm
Above all, it is important to keep calm and to remain understanding even when the children are in a bad mood. Because when many adults are completely overwhelmed by the current crisis, it is clear that the children react even more stressed. Therefore, we can afford to be less strict and to relax some rules. Doggedness does not help any of us – good mood, on the other hand, does.