I’m going to give you all permission to calm down about "homeschooling" your kids. The reason I think you may need this is because I did. I had a thought earlier today that helped me put things more in perspective.
We’re in the middle of a crisis. And, for many people, being in the middle of a crisis means they are starving, or freezing, or scorching in the sun without adequate shelter. Many people in the middle of a crisis are worried they will be killed.
We are all so physically comfortable in this crisis that we have to over-worry about our kids’ education. All over my social media feeds people are sharing ideas of how to keep their kids education up to speed or complaining the schools aren’t doing enough for their kids.
Many of us are seeing these posts of people on social media crushing this whole “homeschooling” thing, and we're feeling inadequate. We’re worried about our kids on their screens too much. We’re worried we don’t know how to teach math. Or maybe we had them doing math, but we’re worried because someone else had so much more fun with their kids.
But, you guys, stop.
Many people have gone through major crises where kids didn’t learn for a lot longer (and maybe they also didn’t eat well or get good rest or have good shelter) and they came out of it okay. So let’s just all calm down a minute.
Let’s try first and foremost to be a calm, loving parent for our kids. We're less than a week into this new normal. We don't have to be doing things perfectly right now... or even doing things at all. We'll get there, but not right away. Let’s take this time to do some fun things that we don’t normally have time to do… or don’t. Maybe just watch a movie. Whatever.
For many kids, having a routine is a good idea, but that doesn’t mean you have to schedule every minute of the day. Just have some things remain kind of consistent. And, if the schedule isn’t working, try something else. And don’t beat yourself up.
Let’s take care of ourselves so that we can be that calm, loving presence. Listen to what you need and try to get that for yourself. Maybe try to take a couple walks outside each day. Maybe you need some down time…I’d guess you do. Take that time, even if that means your kids stare at a screen a while. It’s okay. Crisis, remember? If people could survive atrocities of war and come out the other side, your child will be okay suffering the brain rotting effects of a screen for a little longer than usual. (I’m being facetious. Don’t quote me saying screens rot brains.)
And, maybe consider a break from some of that social media making you feel inadequate. Because, you’re not. You’re just what your kid needs.
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