7 Tips You Need to Know Dealing with the Corona Virus as School Begins
Recommendations for Parents Who Work and Have Kids
A little more than half the year has gone by and there is little sign the corona virus is going away. Some people try to sound optimistic but I look at all the signs and honestly, things are getting worse rather than better.
The numbers are increasing by those affected. People are dying but not at an alarming rate. Though many cases indicate many people had a secondary illness that didn’t help. I’m not trying to spread rumors but I tend to look at the numbers just as I look at the numbers in money. Numbers don’t lie. It’s hard to sway the truth if you look at the numbers. Numbers either go up or down. There isn’t a gray or fuzzy line when you look at these hard figures.
As Florida opened up their beaches after having high corona virus numbers, there are very few states doing the right thing controlling the spread of the virus. There is a debate if masks work or don’t work. People complain about having their liberty taken away as they are forced to wear the masks. Then there is the other group that professes that the masks prevent the little droplets from a person’s mouth from spreading. I’m not here to debate the pros or cons of either one. I am far from a medical professional but do my best to avoid getting close to someone affected by the virus.
In spite of the protests that have recently occurred, a study in Washington state believes the spread of the corona virus was caused by social gatherings and parties where people do not wear masks. Without clear guidance from the government, the spread of the virus only continues.
As schools debate and change their stance weeks away before the fall semester begins, some schools are beginning the year just as they finished the previous school year with students connecting virtually from home. For parents working, this causes severe issues as they have to figure out how to care for their kids while also working. The uproar is only beginning and only going to increase over the next few weeks.
This causes many problems for families who work to put food on the table and keep a roof over their heads. Many families can barely afford to cover their current expenses especially as government unemployment assistance comes to an end. There is no set date for another stimulus as Congress continues tossing this bill around.
Possible Solutions
Before panic sets in, there are some ideas to consider especially if you have kids and work. Not all of these will help but gives you some ideas to consider. Many of these recommendations may cost you a little more money. I understand this is could get very expensive but proper planning now will help later on.
In no particular order:
- Consider hiring a nanny.
- Talk to your employer and see if you can work from home.
- Share responsibilities with another parent. One week you can watch your child and the other parent’s child. Then switch roles the following week as you go to work and your friend watches the kids.
- If your work schedule is not very flexible, see if you can switch your hours. This could allow you to work and still watch your kids during the school day. These days will be very long but it won’t be forever.
- Find out if there is a local education facility that can watch your child and connect them to a computer during their school session.
- Have your parents or a close friend watch your child during the day. You may have to buy them a plane ticket but this could be less expensive than hiring a sitter to watch your child.
- Hire a college student to watch your child during the school day. You may have to hire two students since I’m sure they may have classes as well.
Start planning for this now because kids will go back to school very soon.
What other options have you considered if you work and your kids will attend school virtually?
Tom Handy is a top Investment and Bitcoin writer on Medium, and the father of two kids. He retired from the Army and sits on several non-profit boards. He’s on several social media channels and you can find him on Twitter @tomhandy1 and Instagram @tomhandy1.
