How to balance work and family during this very unusual COVID summer

Summer isn’t cancelled you just need to learn how to connect with family if you are still working from home this year.

With the majority of regular summer group activities canceled, working parents are shifting gears from taking on the roles of teachers to summer camp counselors. This is good news for some. This is a real opportunity to breathe life into real connections and actually being present in the moment.

Here we share some thoughts on working from home this summer if you have children and how we hope you can use this time to connect with your family in a new and meaningful way.

Here are a few important notes to consider:

• Take a break — you need it!

For the majority of people, there’s no doubt that distance learning was a difficult transition. However, it did create a framework for some type of structure during the week. Now, we can decompress, regroup and reflect.

• Find easy ideas to entertain at home

Alternating between digital and outdoor recreation will largely depend on the weather, your budget and availability. Remember that everyone’s family looks different. Stop comparing your lifestyle to another parent who’s somehow baking bread, planning crafts and hosting educational nature hikes.

Instead, set small goals for yourself and your family. Being more mindful of screen time and simply squeezing in a 30-minute walk at a local park is a great start.

• Plan a (safe) vacation

With so many of your summer plans being canceled (not to mention, the increasing day-to-day living expenses), you might be wondering how you’re going to pull off your annual family vacation.

Many people are leaning into “driveable” vacations that involve staycations. With the abundance of great deals on offer a 5* hotel stay in the UAE has become far more accessible.

In summary
The most important part to remember is that we are all muddling through life at present however just remember that life isn’t canceled. Every season of life gives us new challenges, so let’s challenge ourselves to grow into better families with deeper connections this summer.