Structure plays a huge role in recovery from addiction. As a result, when children must transition from a regular school day to online learning, it can throw parents in recovery quite the curveball. When you’re used to waking at a certain time, making breakfast, and putting children on a school bus, sudden changes may be unnerving. This is especially true for those in recovery. If this describes you, it’s essential to reorder your life as soon as possible to make your days feel routine again. For assistance, reach out to Pennsylvania Adult and Teen Challenge at 844.442.8673 today.
Stressors Created by Online Learning
Every parent wishes they had more quality time to spend with their children. However, distance learning may not fit the definition. In most instances, online learning requires supervision. As the parent, you’re responsible for making sure your students log in on time, are awake and present during classes, and get their homework handed in on time. You’re also responsible for making sure everyone gets three nutritious meals daily, has a bath or shower, and gets to bed at a reasonable time.
For parents with older children, these tasks may be easier. But for parents in recovery who have young children, it’s a full-time job. You no longer have six hours a day, five days a week to work, clean, or run errands. Your little ones are with you every second of every day, and the responsibility to see that they’re happy, healthy, and well-educated is the utmost priority. Unfortunately, it can also be a considerable stressor.
Changes in Daily Routine Are Hard for Parents in Recovery
You may have spent a good portion of your recovery figuring out a daily schedule that works well for everyone in your household. You know when everyone needs to arise each morning, as well as when you’ll have time to do laundry, who’s going to cook dinner, and how you’ll wind down at night. Suddenly, that’s all in the past. The new dynamic of at-home distance learning has changed your schedule, and the old routine no longer works. As a result, you begin to feel stressed. The first few days or weeks of online learning may be a disaster. But if you hold on to the fact that things will soon even out, you can avoid becoming overly tense. Accordingly, you can prevent relapse.
Tips for Building New Structure While in Recovery
For parents in recovery, a structure must define every day. If you find yourself waking up late and wandering aimlessly through your day, you put yourself at risk of relapse. Instead, take steps right away to design a new plan. Use one that embraces online learning for your children. Simple changes are best. They include:
- Prioritize online learning
- Separate living space from learning space
- Use alarms, reminders, and calendars
- Partner with your spouse or family member for help with homework, baths, and the nightly routine
- Make sure your workplace understands your new responsibilities
- Set aside time for yourself to avoid feeling depleted
Good ideas include setting alarms to allow an extra hour of time in the morning for everyone to wake up, eat a protein-packed breakfast, and settle in. You may also opt for easy meal ideas for school days. It’s not necessary to fry bacon and eggs with all the trimmings every day. In fact, school mornings are perfect opportunities for peanut butter toast, yogurt, and orange juice.
Pennsylvania Adult & Teen Challenge Helps Parents in Recovery
Parents in recovery who are having difficulty adapting to online learning can call Pennsylvania Adult & Teen Challenge for help. For more than 60 years, we’ve helped those in recovery stay sober throughout the many challenges life offers up. Our treatment options include:
If you’re struggling with an addiction, call us today at 844.442.8673, or contact us online to learn more about how we can help you maintain your sobriety for life.
