Hello APR Community,

Families and students are just starting to understand what these next several weeks may look like for them. It will become the 'new normal,' for some time. Our "home" and "work" and "school" endeavors may seem to blend into one another, at first.

Adults may be working from home and have different levels of availability than they have had in the past. The school closings have forced many family members to take on responsibilities that they haven't in a long time- including "teacher," "camp counselor," and "cruise director," for some.

Students may feel both more independent, and smothered... we need to give it time.

While we adjust, it's important that we listen to what each other is feeling: some students may feel lost and anxious and not ready to begin diving into intellectual pursuits BEFORE they actually feel safe and less fearful. Many may benefit from structure right off the bat. We need to listen to our kids, then provide what we can.

WE DON'T CONSTANTLY NEED TO BE PRODUCTIVE.... (Even though society and school has encouraged us to be, as often as possible).

We need to be taking care of ourselves and each other.

We're providing sample schedules (below: some highly structured, and others less so), for families and students to use in a way that works for them. You may find that the hour-by-hour schedules may work for your family, or you may find that it feels good on some days, but others days need less.

Take your time finding your balance.

And maybe take some time at the end of every week to talk about what is working and what isn't, so you can adjust accordingly, as a family.

If you are struggling, please reach out to a trusted APR adult. We're here.

Stay well,

APR Specials Team

Kids of all ages might need some structure over the course of this long break from school routines. For a younger child the sample schedule below may work well, if parents are able to be around to keep kids aware of time and activities.

That might not be possible for everyone. This could be a good model for what MAY be options for the structure of their day, in what ever order works for you and them.