11 Pieces of Advice for Working Parents During the COVID-19 Crisis (by fellow parents at The Walker Group)
1
Structure and a schedule are extremely important. For little kids, set periods of work time and also times for help/attention so disruptions are not constant. For teens, make set blocks of time for schoolwork, physical activity and end-of-day screen time.
2
Headphones for everyone are a must (especially the kids...not that we don’t want to hear every online lesson, but...)!
3
If you have to be in the same room as your child, make sure they are facing away from you. This helps their concentration and reduces the temptation for constant distraction.
4
Have patience and be flexible. If you can’t fit in all the schoolwork during the designated work hours, don’t panic – just communicate with the teacher and do the best you can as a family. One idea - most kids are expected to read 20-40 minutes during their "school day". Consider saving that for bedtime to make sure it gets done and it also helps them wind down.
5
If you use Zoom or MS Teams, use the virtual background or blur background feature so others can’t see the chaos (even though they have it too!).
6
Communicate with your family. Make a list of all the times that you will be in meetings/unavailable and make sure everyone understands expectations during those times.
7
Schedule kids' outdoor time around your "important meetings" schedule.
8
Accept the fact that your workday definition has changed. You may feel like you’re starting earlier and ending later but you can and should be taking "breaks" to be with your family and help your kids, which is important, so it all works out in the end.
9
For the littles, if they don’t have homework yet, create homework or art projects to make them feel involved. A daily science experiment is also fun for kids and parents!
10
Whenever possible, request that other family members stay off of streaming services (i.e. Netflix, FaceTime) when you have work video meetings. Also, a daily reboot of your internet modem can be helpful in maintaining bandwidth.
11
Remember – you are NOT a teacher. Do your best but don’t expect it to be perfect or easy. Life is stressful enough right now without that added pressure. We are all in this together!
written by:
Jessica Rich
Jessica Rich, Managing Partner at The Walker Group, has an extensive technical and business background in the areas of IT, Sales, Marketing, Human Resources, Operations, and Finance. She is a passionate problem solver dedicated to the constant improvement of people, process, and company culture.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: The Walker Group & Green Monster Recycling Announce 5th Annual e-Waste Recycling Event Farmington, CT – August 1, 2025 – The Walker Group, in collaboration with Green Monster Recycling, is proud to host its 5th Annual e-Waste Recycling Collection on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM at 20 Waterside Drive, Farmington, CT. This free community event invites residents, businesses, and anyone with outdated electronics to join a joint mission for sustainability, clean energy, and environmental awareness. “Technology moves fast, and so does the waste it leaves behind,” said Diana Sutcliffe, Business Operations and Marketing Director at The Walker Group. “We’re proud to provide a safe, simple way for our clients and the community to dispose of their electronics responsibly—while also building awareness and community spirit.” What’s on deck for the event: Responsible drop-off of electronics including computers, monitors, TVs, cell phones, tablets, and other devices. Assistance from The Walker Group volunteers to help unload your vehicle for a seamless experience. Raffle prizes, kid-friendly games, and refreshments to make the day enjoyable for all ages. RSVP options available for large or bulky items to ensure we’re prepared for your needs. Why it’s important: Electronics contain materials like lead, mercury, and arsenic which can be harmful if improperly discarded. Recycling ensures that these components are handled safely, rare metals are recovered, and waste is diverted from landfills. This event aligns with The Walker Group’s ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship and community engagement. Who should attend: Everyone from individual households with a single device to businesses with large volumes—if you’ve got electronics to recycle, we welcome you! How to participate: RSVP on our website , especially if you plan to bring bulky or heavy items. Collect your unwanted electronics. Drive to 20 Waterside Drive, Farmington, CT on October 15 between 11 AM and 4 PM. Drop off, enjoy the activities, maybe win a raffle prize, meet The Walker Group team and support a greener future. For more information visit: https://www.thewalkergroup.com/e-waste-recycling-event-2025 or send email inquiries to Recycling@thewalkergroup.com
