The Intersection of Learning Spaces and Work/Life Balance: 5 Ways to Thrive at Home
2020 has undoubtedly been the year where our kids' learning spaces have intersected with our work and home lives, often chaotic but sometimes beautifully managed. As parents, we've had to find creative ways to balance our roles as educators, caregivers, and individuals, often relying on our own resourcefulness and support systems. That's why we're excited to partner again with Osmo, whose self-paced learning math puzzles and creative games have been instrumental in making our household's happiness a top priority.
**Setting Yourself Up for Success**
One of the most crucial aspects of thriving at home is setting yourself up for success. According to Laura, this means becoming a morning person, even if it feels like a luxury we can't afford right now. "I've become a morning person," she reveals. "Getting up between 4 and 5 am with a little help is golden." Help, of course, comes in many forms, but for Laura, it's about making time for herself each day to accomplish something first. This morning routine not only sets her up for success but also makes her more patient and present with the kids.
Laura knows that finding time can be a challenge, especially when our schedules are already stretched thin. However, she believes that this newfound sense of purpose is worth it. "I know my time is so hard right now," she admits, "but it's golden." By prioritizing her own success and well-being, Laura finds herself more energized and capable of supporting her children in their learning journey.
**Thinking Outside the Zoom Box**
While online classes can be convenient, they often come with limitations. Even if your kids are sitting perfectly still through virtual lessons, the reality is that there's less one-on-one learning taking place. This means more time wrangling assignments, which can be overwhelming for parents and kids alike. That's why we love supplementing with Osmo – not only are they learning, but it's also a fun experience.
We've seen firsthand how engaging interactive tools like Osmo can make learning feel less like a chore and more like an adventure. The Genius Starter Kit, in particular, has been a game-changer for our household. By doing the math and sentence formation, kids are not only developing essential skills but also having a blast while doing it. As Laura puts it, "It's so fun." Whether you're working on a puzzle or playing with a creative tool, Osmo makes learning feel like play.
**The Power of Creativity**
Creativity is an invaluable resource in today's fast-paced world. As parents, we want to encourage our children to express themselves and explore their creativity, whether through art, music, or writing. For us, one of the most important things about Osmo is its ability to spark creativity in kids.
We've been obsessed with Osmo's Masterpiece from the Creative Starter Kit. Watching our kids' faces light up as they create something new and wonderful is truly magical. Whether it's drawing, painting, or building, we want to encourage our children to explore their imagination and bring their ideas to life. As Laura puts it, "It's so awesome." With Osmo's creative tools, we're giving our kids the space to express themselves and develop a lifelong love of learning.
**Making Learning Fun**
Humor is an essential part of any child's development, and as parents, we want to make learning feel fun and engaging. That's why we love using humor in our learning routine with Osmo. Today, we're inspired by the Math Wizard game, which encourages kids to pick a number, double it, add six, divide by two, and then subtract their original number. The result? A simple math problem that's anything but boring.
As Laura reveals, "We are math wizards today!" This playful approach to learning not only makes math more accessible but also teaches kids the value of perseverance and critical thinking. By incorporating humor into our learning routine, we're making a positive impact on our children's educational journey.
**The Importance of Forgiveness**
Finally, as parents, it's essential to recognize that our children will never be perfect, just like we aren't. There will always be moments when they struggle or make mistakes, but it's how we respond that matters. We want to foster a sense of self-acceptance and confidence in our kids, rather than focusing on perfection.
For us, this means being more forgiving than we might expect. Laura admits, "I'm definitely guilty of trying to focus on perfection." However, she's learned that it's not about achieving perfection but about celebrating small victories along the way. When our children do make mistakes or struggle with a concept, we want them to know that it's okay and that we're there to support them every step of the way.
By embracing this mindset, we're giving our kids the freedom to learn at their own pace and explore new ideas without fear of failure. As Laura says, "That in itself is so valuable." By cherishing small victories and being present for our children's learning journey, we're creating a nurturing environment that encourages growth, creativity, and self-expression.
**Staying Sane and Happy**
As parents, we want to create a happy and balanced home life for ourselves and our children. This means finding joy in the everyday moments, even when it feels like a challenge. As Laura puts it, "We hope this was helpful." By partnering with Osmo and embracing these simple yet powerful strategies, we're on our way to creating a happier, more harmonious household.
And as we conclude this article, we can't help but smile at the sight of our capes – yes, you read that right! We've been wearing them around the house, and they're really comfy. It's become a small joke, a reminder that even in the midst of chaos, there's always room for laughter and play. As Laura says, "Stay sane, guys!" With Osmo by our side, we know we can tackle anything that comes our way.