The daily schedule of a working and homeschooling single mum in quarantine.
Spending two weeks in quarantine as a single mum whilst also working, plus homeschooling, plus recovering from heartbreak was truly one of the most challenging times I have faced as a single parent.
One of the main things that got me through each day was having a routine. Don’t get me wrong, the whole experience still just about broke me, but I do think having that structure was one thing that helped me get through that period.
Here’s what I did during our quarantine period:
1. Got up early and got stuck in.
Every morning I got up before my daughter (at 5 or 6 am) and then, I worked solidly until 8:30 am. When my daughter woke up, she’d have breakfast and have free play. Not only did this enable me to start the day peacefully but it meant I was able to get a few hours of work done and dusted before the homeschooling shit show began.
2. Morning time off.
At 8:30 am I’d take an hour off. And in that hour, I exercised and I included my daughter in that too. She didn’t always necessarily do the workout that I was doing with me. But if she didn’t do it, she was next to me and dancing or doing her own kind of exercise routine. At this stage, we weren’t able to leave the house, but as soon as we were, we usually used this hour to get out in the fresh air for a walk (me) and scooter (my daughter). Exercising for my mental health is very important to me, and it was a non-negotiable during the quarantine period. Especially as I was also grieving the end of a relationship.
And then I had a shower.
3. Breakfast.
I’m not the kind of person that likes to eat too early, so at 9:30 – 10:00 am I would take some time to make myself a tasty breakfast. This would also be a second breakfast for my daughter. Food is everything when in quarantine, and one of the things to look forward to every few hours. Cook it. Eat it. Love it. Repeat.
4. Back into it.
At around 10 am I’d get back into work until around 1:30 pm. And also during that time, I’d set my daughter up with her school work next to me. Now that sounds a lot easier than the reality of it. I won’t lie, this part was actually a complete and utter shit show. It was an absolute disaster. There were tears and tantrums every day. And my daughter wasn’t in top form either.
Things I tried to unsuccessfully teach my daughter during this time:
- Complaining about schoolwork was not going to make it go away or make the day go quicker.
- Every day she had a choice – she could either sit there all day, cry about it, and refuse to do it, OR she could just focus on it for an hour or two and get it all done. And then get free time for the rest of the day! And if that meant sitting and watching a movie for two or three hours, watching TV, playing with her iPad, then that was okay with me (I was very relaxed with screen time at that stage – I’m usually very strict, and she doesn’t get much screen time during the week at all… but, we’ve never been in a situation like this before. It’s a desperate time, so do whatever it takes, I say).
- Acting out by cutting up my bedsheets and her fly screen would only add fuel to the situation.
But despite the difficulties, I think, for my daughter, having a bit of that structure and knowing that this time of day was for schoolwork, did help a little.
I should add though, that by the end of homeschooling we were well and truly done. We were doing the bare minimum – maths, reading, and writing, and I was okay with that. Our mental health (and our relationship) was more important.
5. Break time.
Recovery. After that, we’d have lunch together. And then we’d usually have some free time. For me, that usually meant watching something trashy (at the time it was The Real Housewives of Orange County Season 11).
6. Afternoon work session.
A final 2 – 3 hours of work to finish off the day (in the hope that homeschooling was done at this point).
7. Mother and daughter time.
And then at about five o’clock, my daughter and I would have some time together. We’d do some more exercise together, or we’d work on our puzzle, or we’d do some decluttering, or we’d play a game, or we’d crank up the music and dance.
8. Dinner.
And then it was time for me to cook. And we’d have dinner together. Always an event we looked forward to.
9. watch something on TV together
P.S DID YOU KNOW?
Thrive Tribe – the global membership experience for single mothers – will be opening again soon. Join the waitlist here.
Know someone who needs to read this? Share it with them via the links below.
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During quarantine, my daughter would go to bed a lot later than usual, but I was okay with that. So after dinner, we’d usually curl up on the couch and watch something together.
10. Time for me.
And finally, to finish off the day, and bring me some sort of sanity, time for me. I also spent a lot on time on Zoom during this time – chatting with my friends and crying into my wine.
Typically I work a lot in the evenings and even though I often still sometimes did a little bit, I spent A LOT more time taking care of myself.
It’s not easy being a single mum in quarantine. I guess the most important part is to do what works for you, to be kind to yourself, to understand that normal rules may go out the window and to know that is COMPLETELY FINE!
To all the single mums in quarantine or lock down right now, I’m sending you lots of LOVE and STRENGTH! We will, and you will get through this. One day at a time.
P.S DID YOU KNOW?
Thrive Tribe – the global membership experience for single mothers – will be opening again for enrollment later this year. Join the waitlist here.
Know someone who needs to read this? Share it with them via the links below.