On March 27th after our first full
week of distance learning I wrote the below. And, I am going to post it as is.
But, its crazy to see how my thoughts, mind set and expectations have been altered
so much from then to now.
Let me preface with, I am a grateful. (Just
a few hours ago, I did not have a preface to this.) But, today at recess while
the entire family was outside playing ball and writing on the sidewalk with
chalk, my 90 something year old neighbor stopped me to say (in social distance of course), “Cathy, you have
the perfect family and your little girl is one of your biggest blessings. I
just thank you for all that you have done for me all these years.”
I don’t know why, but for some reason, her saying
this got me to stop and think. Perspective: My husband and I are not on the
front lines, we are not doctor’s or nurses who have to wake up each morning and
be exposed, then come home each day and run the risk of exposing our children.
These front line employees don’t have a choice, they can’t be home to
home school their children and watch them prosper and grow thru this new
distance learning thing. They can’t take a recess break with their children and
watch Rolly Pollies and
butterflies outside during these beautiful spring days. I know if they
were given a choice, they’d take our place in an instant. So, we are blessed,
we are strong and we need to stick together in this time of need. Thank your
friends who are front line employees: the doctors, the nurses, the grocery store
workers, the bus drivers and so many more. They are taking a risk by
walking outside of their homes and going to work each day. I am not on the
front line, while I feel like I am sometimes. I am on the other side, the work my day job at home, while having the privilege to be home with my children at
the same time. But, also I am the teacher, maintenance team, lunch lady, PE coach and more. I say privilege, because, yes IT IS. But with that comes a lot of agony, tired days,
teary eyes, and lots of coffee. And, I miss my mommy!
Below is what I have been doing to
help with the day in and day out.
1) Keep the children
close
if you try to spread them throughout the house during their school time, it
will be impossible to cater to their needs while you are trying to monitor your
work emails, conference calls, on demand instant messages and keep your baby
entertained. Our classroom is my bedroom, all school related activities take
place in the “Classroom.”
2) Create a written
schedule
for our sanity, NOT necessarily to ALWAYS follow. It’s essential to see what
the day looks like for each of your children to team up and help each other
stay on task. Also, if another parent pops in to help, they can see what is
left on the schedule. Plus, the children enjoy marking things as completed!
3) Multi-task For those
that have an infant, when your infant is eating meals and snacks in her high
chair, bring the chair to the classroom if needed. Sit by the infant with your
laptop. If you are a breastfeeding mom, if your baby needs to nurse, keep your
laptop nearby and nurse and work.
4) Be prepared to walk
away.
Sometimes the day will not go as planned, the baby will spill your coffee all
over the bedroom floor, or your students will get frustrated because their
computer is loading to slow, or the online assignment is acting up. My son was
so frustrated with an online portal, and I was witness, he was putting in the
correct answer and it kept marking it wrong. (ahem.. learning.com) He of course
is our perfectionist in the classroom. For all of the above and more, walk away
and regroup. End the day if necessary, don’t be afraid to start fresh the
following day. If you think this is bothering YOU- imagine how your children
may feel.
5) Be honest with your
employer.
I know this may not be an option for all, but let your employer know how
your day will be. Or if you need to step away to help your children join a Zoom
classroom etc. Honesty will make you feel so much less stressed too.
6) Document. Let’s
face it, we and our children are part of history, THIS has never happened. You
have the opportunity to be with your children 24/7 for God knows how many days,
and you have been blessed to be employed, and home ALL- at the same. Take
pictures, videos, write down memories, but you are part of HISTORY so document
it!
7) Close your eyes and
ears!
When you see “standard” work from home tips or general advice from parents with
no children at home. Cover your eyes, and ears and move forward. These
tips and advice may work in normal operating times but not in a #COVIDCRISIS.
YOU DO YOU and follow your own lead.
8) YOU ARE IN CHARGE of what you make
of this crisis, so move on and move up and remember we are #INTHISTOGETHER.
