Sheltering in Place day 4-14
It’s been awhile since I’ve posted in this thread and a lot has happened. Last Thursday the 19th of March, we took possession of our new home. Needless to say, the schedule we were following has gone to the wayside during this period of transition.
So while we had planned to have regular homeschooling all through out the march break. Getting things ready for the move took up more time then we anticipated. So for now the children are “Free Range”. Especially since the new house is full of boxes and our time is taken up unpacking and putting things away.
One thing we will be implementing in the next few days is something called “Tent Routine”. This is a term that originates from the military and is very relevant to today.
Tent what?
The tent routine is a set of routines and sub routines that are performed when a group of people are living in close quarters. In the military this is usually done during winter exercises when we are sleeping in 10 man tents. But it is used to varying degrees through out the training and operational year.
Essentially the Tent Routine lays out what each member is responsible for and when certain tasks are completed. Some of these routines happen daily at the same time. Others happen in reaction to another event. So let’s get started and have a a look at a routine that’s based on one found at movingforces.com
Morning Routine
- Wake up 0800 to 0900 hrs
- Make your bed. Start the day off right by completing a simple task
- Ablutions, aka daily hygiene. Wash your face and hands, brush your teeth
- 08:30 to 09:15 Eat Breakfast and take morning medications/vitamins
- 0930 Daily Briefing. Provides a daily venue to share information/ dispel rumors about; the situation globally and locally, what we as a family are doing, coordination issues, any chores that need doing and errands we need to run.
- Chores/Errands.. Group work and activities that benefit the collective are prioritized and done immediately after the brief. Could be disinfecting areas of the house or shopping for necessities
- Homework/Homeschooling. 1 to 2 hours of homeschooling, school is not likely to be reinstated anytime soon but education needs to continue. There are many resources available for free.
Afternoon Routine
- 11:30 to 12:00 Lunch
- Free time We all need some time to ourselves to relax and recharge.
- Yard Maintenance, spring is coming around the corner and there will be plenty to do outside. This is also a good way to get out and get fresh air.
Evening Routine
- 16:00 Prepare supper
- 17:30, Supper time. Breakfast is an individual activity. Lunch as well by eating left-overs, sandwiches etc.. Supper allows the family to come together at the end of the day.
- Family Activity (There is a balance to be had between individual “on my phone’ time and at a human level to reinforce the bonds of connection. Could be a board game or a movie
- Bedtime. I say keep you regular work/school bedtime routine. There is no reason to stay up late. Our bodies crave routine, and a regular bedtime is crucial not only to our physical health but to our mental health as well.
Conclusion
By keeping to a regular routine, everyone will be less stressed out and by having daily briefings everyone will be informed and working from the same playbook. We could be in this situation for a long time and it will be important to have a routine, to keep some semblance of order and to keep things in good working order.