Home Learning Series: Parenting in Lockdown
Chris of @MontessoriDadsWay
Find Chris here: montessoridadsway
Number of children: one
Ages of children: Bubby, who is 2 years old
What is your full-time gig? Dad
What is your passion? Photography
What are your favorite things about being a parent?
The love and excitement they radiate when you walk into the room! And I love the process of seeing how fast my son learns from day to day.
What’s the best parenting advice you’ve ever been given?
Make sure you create “you” time – and stock up on coffee!
How do you make time for yourself during lockdown?
Sensory play has been the best part of this! My son loves it and can sit for over an hour and play with some of the bins and activites I set up for him.
How have you incorporated home learning into your daily routines at home?
We learn through play with a variety of activities and open–ended toys.
Editor’s Note: See the super creative ‘animal rescue’ scenarios Chris created for his son Bubby in these images. Each situation challenges the child to think and problem solve and also helps develop fine motor skills.
What has been a great resource for you for during lockdown?
Instagram has made me challenge myself to create great activities for my son to keep him learning while having fun and keeping him entertained.
What advice can you give to parents and care givers who might be struggling at this time?
The advice I would give to parents struggling at this time, is to try to remember not everything happens exactly as you want it to. You have to learn to let some things go and not to stress when everything doesn’t go according to plan.
Stephanie @MamasLittleVillage
Find Stephanie here: mamas.little.village
Number of children: one
Ages of children: 1 ½
What are your favorite things about being a parent?
The greatest joys of being a parent are just so many things big and small! If I had to sum it all up, it would be seeing my little one take on the world moment by moment, seeing her learn, explore, and watching her loving and giving heart grow! Seeing her, shining her light to others is the best!
What is the best piece of parenting advice you’ve ever been given?
It takes a village to raise a child! And enjoy the season of life you are in – savor each and every special moment!
How do you create time for yourself during this period of lockdown?
Waking up a few minutes before my daughter, to have my quiet time, during nap time, or when she goes to bed!
Have you and your family developed any special rituals during this past year?
We have a Blessings Jar! Throughout the year we write down big or small blessings in our lives. At the end of the year we read them and reflect as a family!
How have you incorporated home learning into your routines?
She is a little young! But we love to start the mornings off with puzzles, building blocks, arts & crafts or a sensory bin!
What advice can you give to parents and care givers who might be struggling at this time?
The advice I would give to parents who are struggling right now is to look for the blessings – the smiles, the giggles in every day!
