As a result of the COVID-19 Pandemic, shelter-in-place orders are in effect across much of our country. And I imagine many of you, like me, are feeling a bit overwhelmed while trying to settle into our ‘new normal.’ We are suddenly finding ourselves trying to maintain all our regular responsibilities, but in an entirely new environment.

Hopefully, these resources will be helpful as you try to adjust to working remotely or not working at all, while homeschooling or entertaining children all day, and simultaneously trying to maintain your health and sanity.

Before we talk resources, though, let’s talk about screen time. I have consistently struggled to balance limiting my children’s screen time while staying productive myself. If you were to ask my kids, they’d tell you I’m the “strictest mom ever and even their friends think so!” However, from my perspective, they get too much screen time! Regardless, I have decided that for me, this isn’t the time to create an all-out war about it. I’ve accepted everyone will get extra screen time right now, and we will all end up being just fine. I’d like to make as much of it educational as possible, but realize that there will still be plenty of mindless video gaming or YouTube viewing. Anyone else feeling this?! I can tell you, it’s a lot less stressful to just resign to this understanding instead of feeling like I’m being a terrible mom! 🙂

So, with that in mind, here is a list of online resources I’ve compiled based on the things I DO want my children exposed to during this time of excessive viewing. And bonus, most are entirely FREE!! So give yourself some grace, go ahead and let them watch a little extra, and know you’re doing the best you can. 🙂