While it is still not safe to stay outdoors, being locked at home is the only choice for most families. The effects of coronavirus to the way people live are piling up each day. Parents have been running out of ways to keep children entertained or to balance working and doing all the household chores.
That is why taking some time off can be a big help to parents. Before the pandemic took over the ordinary lives of people, some of the parents' alone time include a lunch out or a movie night. However, because of the quarantine restrictions, these are not possible nowadays.
Here are some of the ways on how parents can have alone time during this pandemic:
Be the early bird or the night owl
A good cup of coffee in the morning when everything is peaceful could be the best along time. Parents may set the alarm earlier than their children's usual wake up time so that they can have some time off.
In case waking up early is difficult; staying late while reading a book or having a long bath can be the option. In this way, parents may have the chance to think and have some peace.
The quiet and calm morning and late-night can bring sanity to parents who go through a lot in a day. An hour or two is good enough for this kind of alone time.
Parent's bedroom can be off-limits
Since the house has turned into a "make-shift" classroom, gym, or even church, setting some boundaries to the kids can help in having some alone time. Parent's bedroom can be a place solely for the rest of the parents. This way, respect is also established among family members.
What could also be done is to teach children how to understand boundaries by knocking at the door before entering. Also, this is a perfect time to teach them when to yell for an emergency, and when something is considered an emergency because some sibling disagreement is clearly not an emergency.
Take turns in doing chores
No amount of work can be more manageable if it is done with a team. In the case of parents, doing it as partners is an effective way to get the stress off of each other's back. Watching the kids or doing the dishes in turns is a good way. It is not about how much each parent has done, but rather the joy in doing things together.
Create an at-home date night
One part of the alone time for parents before the pandemic is making sure that their partners are keeping the relationship growing. Date nights play a vital role in doing that. However, outdoor date nights or the usual restaurant reservations is not possible nowadays. Creating one at home can be the solution.
Having dinners separate from the kids can help in having alone time. Not only does it spark creativity from partners, but it also helps in reconnecting with your partner.
