With much of our nation and world on lock-down and soft-quarantines, many families are at home without a sense of normal routine.

In a time of uncertainty, you’ve probably heard plenty of sources say to “find consistency.” Yes, even I have shared these words of encouragement.

Yet, when schools and childcare centers are closed and you’re in work-from-home mode, consistency may not be available.

Create a new version of consistency.

Keep meal times the same and offer similar foods, as available. Start your morning just as you normally do— shower, get dressed, drink your morning cup of coffee, and prepare your child for the day with you.

Change out of PJs, eat breakfast, and pull out some art supplies. Make your day feel as consistent as possible.

Allow flexibility with screen time.

A quick search online will provide so many sources of entertainment and learning for kids, including local zoos and scholastic. And sometimes you just need your kid to entertain themselves. Cue: screen time. Sure, in a non-pandemic world, limiting screen time is proven to be helpful. However, when you’ve got a conference video call at 10:30 and your toddler is needing you by their side at all times, a little bit of Magic School Bus or PBS kids is totally fine. So are all of the other shows that aren’t even remotely considered “educational.”

Cue Up a Video call

Social distancing is so hard when toddlers are driven for social interaction. Again, we know what is most healthy for social and emotional growth; yet, COVID-19 precautions require flexibility. Get face to face time with those who are emotionally safe — children’s friends, your friends, or emotionally safe family members. This does not need to be a time where you flex emotional boundaries. You do not need to include family members that are less supportive in your choices to practice social distancing or those that are toxic.

Create a snack basket

Toddlers and snacks are like two peas in a pod. Create a basket, box, container, whatever of toddler friendly snacks so that you have plenty of options available. This may help keep your toddler from asking multiple times in an hour for a snack while you answer emails and connect with work remotely. Keep it on the healthy side if you can (and choose to), but again, be flexible.

Hide the Toilet Paper

This should be tip #1. I’m not the only parent who has watched in horror as precious pieces of toilet paper are thrown into the toilet as practice for potty training. My toilet paper now lives on a shelf up high, out of toddler hand reach.

While this is partially a joke and partially a practical tip, it’s a reminder to find humor and comfort when you can. Be flexible. Be kind to yourself. Be kind to others. We’re all in this together.