3 Things We are Doing to Adjust

We have had three full weeks at home on our new routine.

Like many of you, the COVID-19 pandemic has certainly brought many changes to our lives. My husband and I are both currently not working, which means we are home ALL of the time. That has been a major change for us. School is now taking place in our home. Social distancing and stay at home orders have meant we haven't seen our family or friends in weeks.

The first week at home went amazingly well. We weren't required to do school work that week, so we didn't. Instead, we had cooking lessons daily and some other life skills type of training (i.e laundry). We also played games, went for walks, and enjoyed our free time.

Then week two came. School work started, and the home isolation was beginning to affect all of us. Jaycee was extremely confused as to why she and her brother weren't attending school. Even though she's 14 years old, her minimal speech, Down syndrome, and Intellectual Disability make it difficult for her to understand changes and explanations. This wasn't a typical change to understand though; this situation had no reference point. It's a new situation for the whole world, not just my daughter. Therefore, it's hard to explain and harder still to understand what exactly she comprehends.

In short, there have been some wonderful days full of giggles and precious family time. However, there have been some difficult times. Jaycee has cried, yelled, refused to do something, put herself in bed (something she does when she is the most upset), asked to see her friends multiple times, and asked to go to church or school over and over. Perhaps, I should confess that I have struggled with my emotions as well. Most people have at some point!

For the most part, Jaycee has handled the many changes well considering everything. A change in her routine is difficult for her on a normal day. For example, when I take her to a specialist appointment and she misses school, I have to do some things to help her understand and prevent some behavioral reactions. For the past few weeks, I have asked her to adapt to multiple changes day after day.

There are some things I have been doing with Jaycee in order to help her understand. These are not magical solutions because some days have been hard. However, these are strategies that I know have helped her in the past.

1. The Checklist Schedule

The checklist schedule (pictured above) is something we use during summer break. Currently, I am using this checklist to name the major activities that need completed before Jaycee gets free time. She is able to read the list and check things off when completed. This old, familiar support has been used daily as she needs help understanding our days at home now. She reacts better to things when she knows what to expect, and this support greatly assists that need. 

2. A Daily Routine

Even though school is out, we have a set routine during the week. Both of my children thrive on routine. They get that from their momma! Our family has a new pandemic routine. I get Jaycee up around 7:30 if she isn't already awake. We start on her checklist items promptly at 8:30. We have lunch around noon followed by free time if her checklist is finished. Jaycee has a set bedtime as well. Each day, she video chats with a family member or two. The timing of that call varies depending on what she needs that day. A harder day means a call in the morning. 

We have some sort of a routine each day to help her cope and find stability. Some days are hard for me even as an adult, and it would be super easy for me to sleep in late and have multiple lazy days in a row. I know this would confuse Jaycee even more, so I press on. We play games, go for walks, make music, cook together, etc. We have made a routine for the time being. 

3. Social Stories

Thanks to Jaycee's school therapist, I found some helpful downloads online to use with Jaycee. We have been reading these social stories to Jaycee, which aim to explain the virus situation. Before we start our home school day, I read one of the stories to her. You can check these out too:

Coronavirus Social Story

Support Understanding of the Virus

I found another resource which explains staying six feet apart and the use of masks on the Teachers Pay Teachers website.

These are the three ways that I am helping Jaycee adjust to the changes related to the virus. It can be expected that she may be confused and upset, but hopefully the supports are decreasing the chances. 

The pandemic has produced trying times for adults and children alike. We all need grace and patience to get through. I am grateful that we have been safe, but pray for those who have been affected by this awful virus.