HOW NOT TO KILL YOUR FAMILY WHILE QUARANTINE

LIVINGLIFE LESSONSQUARANTINEFAMILYMARRIAGE

May 14

Life has changed for many of us during this time of uncertainty. Everyone is home, all the time. Our last day of normalcy was March 13, 2020, when they had actual school in a classroom. That’s two months of being at home. Together. All. The. Time.

It’s been an eye-opening experience and has helped us in many ways. I actually needed to slow down in life and just hit a reset button to focus on the people and things that bring me joy! My level of self-awareness has hit a new level during this time and it was needed. I wanted to share with you a few things I noticed that have helped us keep sane and not kill each other while quarantine.

GOOD MORNING GREETINGS

Waking up with a grateful heart. Don’t you dare give me an eye roll, stay with me here! I know it may come off cliche, but after losing Reg’s father and my Pawpaw during this time we have become more grateful for every moment that we have. We usually greet each other with a hug, kiss, and say I Love You or Good Morning Sunshine but during this time it’s something you look forward to a little bit more than before. Before, life was so rushed. Mornings were rushed. It’s so refreshing to take it slow in the morning and hug each other.

WE ASK A VERY IMPORTANT QUESTION

Every morning Reg and I ask each other what are your plans for the day? This has been key to setting the tone for our days and allows us to know what to expect from each other. Also, the perfect time to express our wants/needs from each other. We also learned that the kids wanted us to ask them what they had planned for their day and this has been pretty interesting to see what they want to do and/or how they think they will spend their day. Most days, I had the “I’ll Allow It” policy as long as you have completed school work, read a book, and cleaned your body!

WE DIVIDE AND CONQUER

This isn’t anything new for us here but it has flowed extremely well for us during this time. Reg is the best cook and I’m the best at cleaning! He cooks and feeds us; I keep the house in order. The kids do their part by picking up after themselves and need our encouragement most days. I can’t function when the main living areas are chaotic. I need clean spaces to feel at peace, so our rule has always been clean main living areas and the kid’s rooms can be crazy until I can’t take it and they must clean their rooms. Everyone does their own laundry. Yes, the kids will do their laundry and when they help their Momma out on her laundry (I pay them). Don’t judge me. Judge Ya Momma!

WE HAVE FUN

Sometimes you just have to shoot them with Nerf bullets and start a Nerf gun war. Almost every other night is some type of an impromptu family game night! We play board games and card games, such as UNO, Life, and PieFace. The kids love to play video games with us. I’m the worst in playing Smash Bros but I kick all their butts in Mario Kart. We have watched so many classic movies with them from our childhood and they have discovered the great films from Eddie Murphy, such as Nutty Professor, Norbit, Daddy Daycare, Coming To America, and more.

WE GIVE EACH OTHER SPACE

We taught our kids about personal space a long time ago and how important it is for everyone to decompress and have time to themselves. This has been so helpful and you usually can tell when someone needs a break.

WE MAKE TIME FOR EACH OTHER

Dating is very important and it’s been challenging to have a typical date night at home. So...you have to really tune in to the small things that we take for granted and relish in them during this time. Cuddling on the couch, a quick kiss here, a butt grab there, a full body massage, making dinner and plating it, and checking in on each other by asking, How are you, really? How can I help you today? What do you need from me? Tuning into The Versus has been our jam lately for at-home date nights.

FRESH AIR AND SUNLIGHT

I saw a post that said humans are plants with complicated emotions. It’s true. We need water and sun to flourish. It is vital to soak up some vitamin D and catch a cool breeze, the sun and air are mood enhancers and will bring ya some joy. We like to play a little basketball in the driveway, the kids ride their bikes and we walk the neighborhood. My favorite thing to do is our car drives, just driving around wasting gas but catching a good breeze, jamming to some music, and talking to the family while we look at the city.

PRAYER LIFE

I’ve asked God for so much peace, strength, and wisdom during this time. I definitely have found myself praying more than ever. I actually started a prayer journal to pray over family and friends. Journaling during this time has played a key role in helping me extend grace to myself and others.

LIMITED NEWS

We limit how much news we consume. I rather read news articles than watch the actual news on TV, I just need the facts. The Indiana Business Journal is my go-to. Some days we don’t consume any news and just be present at home.

POSITIVE MINDSET

We speak life into our days, each other, and our home. Some moments we may miss the mark and we have to shift mindsets and focus on what really matters. I usually find myself getting overwhelmed when I think of all the things I have to do while I’m in the middle of a task. I found over time that focusing on 3 tasks a day is manageable and I prioritize my days as such.

WE FLEXIBLE

We flexible over here! We try to be realistic and go with the flow and understand that plans/things change and focus on what really matters? Family. Each Other.

Those are the things that I have noticed have helped us keep our sanity while in quarantine. What has worked for your family?

Well, I need to go they ready for me to play some UNO and Smash Bros. Take care and be safe.