I often fantasize about allowing my four kids to roam freely during this time of social isolation, mostly because I could use some desperately needed personal space. In an ideal scenario, they would engage in joyful play and learning all day long. We’d gather around the kitchen island, sharing laughs over a snack before retreating to our individual corners of the house or yard. But let’s be real—this is not happening.
Yes, I’m the ‘Karen’ who has implemented a strict quarantine routine for my kids. You know, the one that seems to attract the eye-rolls of many other parents. “A schedule? Seriously?” they might say. I completely understand their skepticism. Relying on a structured daily routine can seem pretentious and unrealistic, especially during a global pandemic when kids are learning from home and parents are juggling work responsibilities. Still, without this schedule, I genuinely believe our family would be in chaos.
There’s a misconception that moms who create and stick to a quarantine schedule are reminiscent of 1950s homemakers who bake bread from scratch and lead singalongs. I’m not donning pearls or high heels, and my kids aren’t dressed in matching outfits while playing croquet in the yard. Not even close.
Another misunderstanding is that I believe I can do it all by enforcing a strict schedule. That couldn’t be further from the truth. We’ve let many things slide for the sake of our sanity. We’ve missed out on several school assignments, canceled FaceTime catch-ups with family and friends, and yes, there’s been more screen time and snacks than I’d care to admit. Just because we have a schedule doesn’t mean it’s rigid.
You might be wondering why I bother with this structure when the world seems to be falling apart. The answer is simple: for us, having a routine is key to maintaining balance amidst the chaos. Two of my children thrive on predictability, one requires very clear expectations, and all four are engaged in distance learning—meaning I’m juggling four separate schedules and assignment lists. On top of that, my husband and I both work from home, with his office oddly set up at a card table in our closet. Daily chores and meal prep only add to the growing list of tasks.
Every morning, I wake up to a flood of emails detailing new school instructions and changes, often before I’ve even had my first cup of coffee. Throughout the day, I’m darting between kids, helping them with whatever they need. Our schedule provides a reliable framework for everyone, including my child with special needs and myself, as I deal with generalized anxiety disorder. Even if the online learning tool my son needs is down, we can count on having a snack at 3:00 PM, no matter what.
One of my kids has ADHD, and another is full of energy. When they don’t get enough movement, it shows, and it can disrupt the peace of our home. Thus, we schedule three “recess” breaks daily. This isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity. We all need to stretch our legs, breathe fresh air, and soak up some sun when possible.
Our daily routine revolves around meals. We start with breakfast, get dressed, and dive into some physical activity. My kids wake up with more energy than a pack of wild animals, and getting those wiggles out helps set a positive tone for the day. After that, they tackle schoolwork, music practice, and one of their two daily chores.
Around noon, we break for lunch and then repeat the morning’s structure with the second round of schoolwork and chores. Once those are wrapped up, we enjoy an afternoon snack, finish any leftover assignments, and then spend time outside if the weather permits. After a quick shower, it’s tech time for the kids while I prepare dinner. We cap off the day with a family movie before they head to bed, usually exhausted from all the activity. Plus, we don’t set an alarm, allowing them some extra sleep in the morning if they want.
How do I know this routine is effective? On weekends when we try to take it easy and stray from the schedule, the fallout is real. The kids either complain of boredom or cling to me like a shadow.
Over a month into this isolation, I recognize how challenging it has been for all of us. We have our good days and our bad. The schedule we’ve established provides the structure we need to persevere while the world feels upside down.
Don’t get me wrong—despite our carefully crafted routine, there are still mood swings, meltdowns, and those oh-so-fun sibling squabbles. We are not living in a fairy tale; I’m just trying to navigate each day like every other mom out there. This routine isn’t about being a superior parent; it’s about creating some semblance of order in an overwhelmingly chaotic situation.
If you find yourself inching towards creating a color-coded family chart, you’re not alone. Don’t feel guilty for needing to impose some organization amidst the madness. We’re all doing our best to thrive in this global crisis. If being a ‘Karen’ means having a structured schedule, then I’m here for it.
For more insights on family routines during challenging times, you can check out this other blog post. And if you’re interested in fertility and home insemination, this resource is invaluable.
In summary, maintaining a strict quarantine routine has been essential for my family’s well-being during these uncertain times. While it may not be perfect, it offers the stability we need to navigate everyday challenges and keep our spirits up.
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