For many of us, these past two months have entirely transformed our day to day lives. We have adjusted to a new norm that is quite challenging. Along with having to stay at home, remain separated from friends and family, and working from home…many of us have also begun homeschooling our children. This may be the most challenging change for some of us. It means having to play teacher with our own child, disciplining them, keeping them to a schedule that allows them to complete work, have lunch, and play. To say the least, it is an enormous undertaking.
Having been a kindergarten teacher for many years, this of course, comes naturally to me. However, even given that advantage, it is certainly not easy. Homeschooling is challenging. I have one child to homeschool, a 6-year-old, and I can certainly say this past month has brought upon a whole new appreciation for educators and the hard work they do every day. I also greatly appreciate parents with multiple kids! How do you do it?
In an attempt to make homeschooling go smoothly, I have created a schedule. This schedule helps my son stay on track, and helps me organize myself between teaching him and working. There is a set time to wake up, a time for breakfast, breaks, lunch, etc. I have this schedule posted so that he and I see what to expect each day. Some days we keep to the schedule and everything is done on time! Some days, we break it, and things are completed later than expected. What I have learned is that you have to be flexible with your child and with yourself. If they need a break and you see that they are not attending, and therefore not learning, allow them time to breathe, run, play. If you need a break because you are having a tough time, take it! Go for a walk, call a friend, have a glass of wine! There are no rules set in stone! There is no right and wrong, no absolutes…at least I do not believe so. What we have is what works for each of us individually.
Frustration is easily experienced throughout this time. Remember we have all been locked up in our homes. This not only affects our emotional health but our children’s as well. When you see your child struggle, or when they say they don’t want to do the work, do not take it personally. It’s not you… its the situation we are all under. And when you are frustrated, take a break and do something for yourself.
Most of all, use your resources. Teachers are still available to help us. I cannot speak for everyone out there, but i am beyond fortunate to have a fantastic teacher who has made this process quite easy. She has made herself available throughout the day for zoom lessons, zoom reading, face timing with kids individually to maintain morale, and even touching base with parents to keep up our own morale. This is a new experience for all of us… parents, kids, teachers, schools. The best way to get through it is to count on one another and to support one another.
Most of all, remember that you are doing a great job! You are doing your best, and so is your child! Give both yourself and them a break and take things a day at a time. At the end of the day take some time to share what they did that was fantastic, it could be their reading or math or maybe they were just helpful! Compliment them, say thank you to the teachers for their support, and give yourself a little compliment as well. We are all in this together… let’s make sure to get through it positively!
