BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — In the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, health care workers and essential employees are still going to work every day. If they're parents, most of them come home to another task - school work with their kids. Now, one local group has launched a support line that parents can call to get some help.
Working and teaching are not easy things for many parents to balance. Many have struggled getting their kids into a routine, and finding schedules that work for their family.
Alesia Conner is a Registered Nurse who works overnights at ECMC. When she's finished with her shift, she comes home to her three kids, who are between the ages of three and 13. She says it's been a tough transition at times, especially when her kids aren't in the mood to study."
"I'm trying to teach when I'm tired, you're crying, you don't want to do the work - it's very difficult right now," she said.
But she also recognizes the importance of sleep for everyone, especially for her, since she's working in the hospital. That's why she's developed a schedule that she says might seem unorthodox, but works for her family. Right now she's letting her kids stay up very late, so they sleep in much later than they normally would. That allows her to come home from her overnight shift and get some much-needed rest before tackling the rest of her day.
"I need some rest. I need to make sure I'm well rested to get back up and help fight this battle," she explained.
Conner knows how important self-care and creating a working family schedule are when it comes to parenting success. She's taken parenting classes with EPIC, or Every Person Influences Children, and suggests anyone who is struggling right now reach out. In fact, EPIC has launched a Family Support Line that anyone can call to speak with a trained professional about parenting in this uncertain time, and creating a routine that works for your family.
Tara Burgess, the Executive Director of EPIC, says these uncertain times are tough for many parents. Not only are many trying to work - or work from home - some are also dealing with financial struggles. That's why it's so important to find what works for your family, and not stress about getting a full six hours of school into one day.
"Really give yourself a break," Burgess said. "Recognize that this situation is difficult for everyone, no one is expecting you to be perfect."
If you'd like to reach the EPIC Family Support Line, you can call (716) 332-4111. The support line is open from 8:30am - 4:30pm every weekday. Parents can call in for help with stress management, establishing home school routines, positive discipline strategies and any issues that arise while being home with their children.
