I’ve been spending the last few weeks spending my time and energy on my family. My wife has a compromised immune system and my daughter has asthma so I’ve been slightly stressed since January.

I live in the USA and we’re so unprepared as a country that it’s scary. So we’ve been self quarantined for the last week which isn’t that different then my normal life, so we’re lucky in that way.

My wife works in healthcare but because of her immune system she’s out of work and I’ve already been working from home.

My daughters been homeschooled for the last two years so we’re extremely capable of being home full time.

Obviously for some people this is much harder. Not everyone can stay home. Not everyone is used to working from home or having their kids home all day.

If you’re stuck at home with your kids though, I do have some tips. There are plenty of organizations that offer free online education.

I use Khan academy everyday. The amount of videos and modules they offer are mind blowing. They have math, science, art, computer programming and so much more for every age.

There are so many projects you can find on Pinterest. Are you a baker, cook, writer, artist, musician or good at any skill. This is the perfect time to share that with your loved ones. It’s easier to teach things your passionate about.

Have your kids write letters, it’s a fun thing that will bring joy to whoever receives that letter.

Another way to connect is Skype or FaceTime. They can interview their relatives or anyone you know. It’s a great way to learn about other people and their life experiences.

My point is teaching doesn’t have to be boring or test based. Teaching for me is about sharing, engaging and bonding with my daughter. Have fun with it and honestly a couple hours a day of learning Is just as productive as an 8 hour school day.

I know we’re living in panic as a world, but this is the time when we shouldn’t panic, stress isn’t good for you in the best of times, let alone during a pandemic.

I am not writing about the pandemic in a way to scare or what to do to prevent it. There are thousands of these already out there.

I just think that this should be a time we all come together. We’re lucky enough to have the ability to connect with each other and with others all over the world. In a time where people are afraid and scared, do what you can to ease the fear and not spread it.

If you do have to go out, and you know someone that’s older or at risk you could offer to go shopping for them.

Also whenever you go out try to be understanding and thankful to the people working during this. They are putting there health on the line to provide us with food, gas, medicine and healthcare. A thank you can make someone’s day.

Reach out to friends and family that are stuck at home.

This last paragraph is dedicated to everyone who has mental health concerns during this time. Breath and try to be calm. Don’t do anything rash. We are all on this together. If you feel like you’re drowning or unable to hold it together. Reach out to someone, your not alone. There is a whole community of us online.

This is a tough time to anyone with anxiety and depression especially. Just be safe and please don’t be afraid to reach out.

I hope your all well and my prayers and hopes go out to everyone that isn’t.

-Jesse