Success Champions
Success During Quarantine How to effectivinly work at home
By Kelly Myerson
M
y inner perfectionist took over the first couple weeks of quarantine. I was sustaining myself on adrenaline, cortisol, and coffee. I created a false front of positivity. Perfection left me; and overwhelm set in. After a few days of selfpity, I took control.
“Get clear about what you want and need. This is not the time to be oblique! Be succinct and use details.”
Like many of you, I was experiencing grief. I began by accepting life was different. Once I accepted this change it was time to confront the reality of my situation. I am a mom working from home during this quarantine. The truth? Working and supporting my son in distance learning has challenged my capacity for grace. I will not sugar coat my breakdowns, but I am celebrating my break throughs. I have reassessed what works. Parent to parent, here’s my advice.
Enhance Communication Halfway through the second week
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of quarantine, I called my husband. Through sobs, I told him I felt so overwhelmed and I wanted his help. Looking back, I needed better timing and clarity. Once calm, I asked, “Babe, can you please complete 3 out of 5 school activities with our son this evening?” Get clear about what you want and need. This is not the time to be oblique! Be succinct and use details. By clearly communicating my needs, my husband was able to support me. Don’t forget your kids! My son became more flexible when I created a daily visual schedule. He needed to know what to expect.
Release Perfection If you’re like me and your default is managing everything for everyone: stop! Ask your spouse or partner to join in the mental burden. Include your children too! Engage everyone in household chores. But, only aim for good enough. Let go of high expectations. Some days, my kitchen is clean at the end of the day. Other days we go to bed with dishes in the sink because our sleep is more important. This is not the time for overachievement. It’s time for survival!
Challenge Expectations I live in a town with an excellent school system. Our teachers are compassionate, highly professional, and engaged. We cannot keep up with the amount of work expected of my Kindergartener. Honestly,
