Parenting During a Pandemic

Submitted by Nathan Wheat

We're only eight work days into this new routine, and it's not yet clear how long it needs to last, but as of right now it feels like it's going to work.

Until recently, work never came home with me. Somehow I've avoided being tethered by a work-issued cell phone, and I’ve had a handy excuse for not checking work emails on the weekends: I don’t have Internet at home. You’d be surprised how much time you gain when there aren’t Tweets to check, Netflix shows to binge, or unboxing videos to comment on!
 
I’m sure mine isn’t the only home that has seen significant changes recently. With an eye on the news, I finally broke down and signed up for Internet service, and now work never leaves my home.

Here are some things I’ve done to keep my five year old busy and myself sane:

• Increased responsibility: Little kids are capable of more than many of us think. Toddlers can assist with chores, food preparation, and even make choices about their activities for the day. During the first few days of self-imposed confinement, my son sorted through his toys and selected the ones he would like to give away. He’s helping cook dinner, and makes suggestions for lunch from a children’s cookbook. I managed to find one that doesn’t have marshmallows in every recipe ;)
  
  
• Self-led activities: In the morning, I set out several activity stations. Examples include puzzles, coloring, Legos, gardening, and science experiments. Before important (or long) meetings, I make sure there are some snacks on the table and spend a few minutes chatting with my son so that he’s content to be on his own for a while.
  
  
• Connection over lunch: During lunch we spend a solid chunk of time together talking about the day. At work, I don’t like to take any breaks at all, but I’ve had to change my strategy at home. I take many small breaks to sit and talk with my son and see how activities are going, and then take a long break to have lunch. We make lunch together, sit and eat together, and then read a book or play outside. My son gets the socialization he needs, and is content (mostly) to play on his own until I call it a day and open the door to my office.
  
  
• Separate work from play: I’ve taken a cue from Mr. Rogers. In the morning I get dressed as if I’m going to the office. At the end of the work day, I change into tennis shoes and a t-shirt. This helps me and my son differentiate between work and play.
  
  
• Help from others: I have family members in other states that have been leading live activities on Facebook, and family members that are happy to video chat with my son while I’m working. In case anyone was worried about how much I’m neglecting my son during the day, my brother lives with us and makes sure nothing gets set on fire. He’s doing his own work, but it’s still helpful to have another set of eyes and ears during the day. 

We're only eight work days into this new routine, and it's not yet clear how long it needs to last, but as of right now it feels like it's going to work.

Nathan Wheat is a single father and project manager at Hach. He earned a BS degree in mechanical engineering from Oklahoma Christian University.