Week on update – we’re still here!

Like many of you, the week started with an ambitious schedule and a list of tasks. Canvases were painted, schoolwork was done, and memories were made. There was much less fighting between the kids and a lot more laughs than I expected. There was absolutely a learning curve so I’m sharing my thoughts:

• Be flexible. Much of my list got done but not all of it, as expected. But the leprechaun fingerprints and the kitchen science projects are enough. This is a crash course in home school no one expected to take and I’m hearing a lot of parents down on themselves for what their day looks like. Because unlike summer vacation, there is an expectation of education here. But let me ask you this, are you a teacher? No, then quit holding yourself to that standard. Even if you are, are you expected to teach your child/ren eight hours a day and then maintain a sense of home? Give yourself a pat on the back for what you do accomplish and for caring enough to try.

• Schedule downtime – for the kids and yourself. Going into week one, my entire day from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. was scheduled with one small break for “quiet time” during the baby’s nap. There was an “outdoor time” scheduled as well but I found myself unable to turn off the productive switch and continued tasks outside. While cleaning the garage is helpful, the mental exhaustion this habit formed was not. By the end of the week, I had decided that dishes can wait because we all need more routine breaks during the day. Therefor, the ambitious five to six hours a day of education was readjusted to four and my nights are reserved for a mandatory recess of my own.  

• Stay connected. Just because were isolated physically doesn’t mean we can’t stay connected. My saving grace this week has been feeding my social side with near constant communication. We’ve enjoyed virtual playdates with friends via FaceTime and Zoom. I installed Facebook Messenger Kids on the kids tablets so they can talk to their friends more independently and have continued to reach out to more friends using text message, even writing a few cards to those I knew were doing this alone. Finally, my girls and I have had several group chats on the HouseParty app. It might seem like a lot of time spent using technology, but I will reiterate what I said originally – don’t unplug! Yes, you should enjoy this time with your family but stay connected to your peers as well. Lean on technology because that is how we can lean on each other to get through this.

Now, I am off to get ready for Science Week at our house. We have lots of STEM projects lined up and valuable learning to come. I’m excited and confident that if I remain positive, adaptable and proactive this will all be fine.

Good luck all!