Children and adults thrive when they know what to expect from the physical and emotional environment around them. Boundaries help us feel safe and gain trust in the environment around us. These next few days are really important in helping to set the tone for the upcoming days when everyone is home. If you are willing to put in more time and pay attention to the details up front, your child(ren) will know what to expect from you and themselves.

Set up a daily routine and include everyone that will be involved. Think through EACH part of that routine and when/how your child can/will get your attention or what the expectation is for them. What will you do when you have a conference call you can not interrupt and your child wants a snack? How will you get your work done when your child wants you to help with her puzzle? If you sit back, now, and think through each part of that day, it will ease tension and stress so you can be present for your child and engaged; you may even see how independent your child is.

Find a system so that your child knows when you're not available, and what to do when that happens. In the classroom, when I am sitting on my stool in a lesson with another child, they know I am not available. They may go to another adult, or go wait for by chair: a non-verbal cue to show me they need me. Because I am aware of the children, when I see this, I make a mental note and when I am at a stopping point, check in with the waiting child. They can also put their hand on my shoulder, just a gentle hand upon my shoulder waiting for my response. I can quietly ask their need, then go back to my lesson. What could that look like when you are working? A different color paper or notecard? A red card indicating-"I'm not available", a yellow card indicating-"It must be really urgent", a green card indicating-"I'm available to help you". Maybe for an older child, these are written signs indicating your level of availability. And remember, this goes both ways. When your child is working-DON'T INTERRUPT, allow your child to get immersed in their work.

Checking in with your child if they have indicated they need you is crucial to this working, you can not forget! Keep sticky notes to remind yourself to check in with your child if needed. We all know when you begin to concentrate, you get so focused, you may forget. Or, you may just forget. Also remember to prepare your child if there is going to be an amount of time when it will be hard to help them, make sure they have everything they need beforehand to limit interruptions. Be consistent, firm, and kind, no matter the reaction. Over time, if you are consistent they will know that boundary.

I hope this has helped give you some ideas on how to start setting up the emotional environment for everyone in your house. Take a deep breathe, and invite your child to join you, many times a day. Enjoy the sun when it is out and blankets when it disappears.