1. Create Routine and Predictability in Your Home: Children do better with structure and predictability in order to feel safe. The key is to create a new routine in your home. In school we use the concept of a “group plan.” You can use this group plan template that you can print and use in your own home. Each morning, you can make a schedule of what the day will look like and scratch off each item as you go. This schedule can include schoolwork, eating, breaks, showering, outdoor time, etc. This helps students alleviate anxiety of the unknown and anticipate things to come in their day. Using this is appropriate for grades preschool through high school. In addition, although tempting, it is best to maintain a set time for sleeping and waking up. This will help their bodies and brains understand that they are still in school (distance learning) and it is not summer vacation.
2. Focus on Creating Reasonable Expectations for Schoolwork: Children’s executive functioning frontal lobes are not fully formed yet, and, as a result, time management and the ability to concentrate for long periods of time is not feasible. Depending on your child’s age, set up a certain time for learning and build in multiple 10 minute “brain breaks.” Although it seems counter-intuitive, these breaks will make them more efficient during their schoolwork.
3. Create a Workspace: Younger grades should have a few different work spaces or “centers” set up so they can move their bodies. Think of a preschool or early elementary classroom, they have different centers/stations for kids to move around throughout the day. For older grades, if possible, give them a dedicated work space. This should NOT be in their bedroom, if at all possible. This leaves little room for monitoring and lots of opportunities for brain distractors! The workspace should not have any devices which are not necessary for eLearning.
4. Help Limit Your Child’s Anxiety: This is a very unknown time with quickly evolving facts. Help your child manage anxiety by limiting their amount of exposure to news media outlets. I know it is tempting, but leaving the news on 24 hours a day in the background is not helpful in helping them manage their emotions. Talk to them directly about the reasons behind the school closure and social distancing. This is a great way to strengthen empathy and perspective taking in our students.  
5. Get Some Outside Time into Your Day: If possible, find time to have your children go outside and get some fresh air. Even taking a walk together is a great activity.
6. Be Flexible!: Being home with kids who are out of their routine could get a little crazy, so keep your own self-care in mind. Build breaks into your own day, whether it be reading a book, cooking a nice meal (alone), or just sitting outside. In addition, try to ignore the little annoying behaviors and save your energy for the bigger battles. I know this is easier said than done, but give yourself grace that it might not all go perfectly at first, but it is a work in progress.
7. Monitor Screentime/Social Media: I know this is easier said than done, but allowing too much screentime can lead to negative behaviors such as tantruming, inflexibility, and lack of self-regulation in our students. Let them know the expectations on time limits, and stick to them. It might be higher than you are used to, but once you set a time limit for the day, stick to it. Structure and limits help our kids feel safe and calm. See our list of the Hidden Rules of Social Media. Review them with your child and see what they think!
8. Make an I’m Bored List: Even with all discussions above, you will be left with LOTS of hours in the day to occupy. My suggestion is to make a list of dozens of activities they can do around the house to keep themselves occupied. I have included an I'm Bored template for your family to brainstorm. In addition, here is a starter list of ideas for all ages to brainstorm (curated from various online sources). Who knows, they might even pick up a new hobby!