Relax!
I know you have so many pressures on you right now! Try to find a few minutes everyday to do something that calms your nerves. Self-care is one of the most overlooked activities. Despite all the glossy magazines of bubble baths and weekends away, research shows that we don't need big blocks of time to re-energize ourselves. Three minutes of a deep breathing technique can be really effective!
Lots of times we're so busy running around and getting kids from place to place, we haven't taken the time to figure out what works for us! Now you have time though! Here are a few suggestions as well as some articles to help you get in the right frame of mind for it.
UM2M Pinterest Board: Self-Care for Moms
Lower Your Housecleaning Standards
Embrace "the lived-in look"! Because that's what's going on now. When everyone lives in one area, stuff begins to build up. Yes, have conversations with the kids about how to get the dishes back to the sink or the dirty socks to the hamper, but do what you can to model helping each other. Walking past saying, "Hey, since you're done, hand me that plate and I'll put it in the dishwasher for you." This evokes a much more cooperative vibe than barking the reminder to them about 'getting that plate to the kitchen!"
And if clutter drives you nuts, create a little space for yourself that you can retreat to - your own bedroom, a corner of the living room where you can look out the window, a place on the patio?
But from a "homeschooling tip" standpoint, I'm sure you've noticed that projects are messy. A room can look like a bomb went off in a matter of minutes! But that's how curiosity and discovery grows. And you want the kids to learn while they're home, right? This is all part of it.
Whether it's the fallout from projects or the simple chores of home life, set the kids up for success as much as possible! Add more trashcans to various rooms so it's easy to see it - and use it! Make Rubbermaid tubs more available to grab those dirty clothes or shoes.
Plus! It's not like anyone is going to be dropping by!
Ideas for handling everyone being home:
Setting Up and Unschooling Home
10 Practical Solutions for Busy Moms Who Are Deschooling