As many parents can relate, the past few weeks have been a whirlwind for me. I’ve been juggling my job from home while caring for my two little ones, aged four and one. At first, I was determined to create a structured learning environment. My daughter and I crafted a morning checklist on a chalkboard and designed a daily schedule that mimicked her preschool routine. I had been bombarded with well-intentioned, color-coded plans from family and friends that included circle time, daily questions, and lessons on weather and days of the week. I thought, why not manage full-time work while educating my child at home?
Then, reality set in.
As a writing instructor at a local university, I spent the initial weeks transitioning my face-to-face courses to an online format, all while my partner had to go into the office intermittently. When my students returned from their two-week “spring break,” the pressure intensified. I found myself facing 128 assignments and checking in on 90 students, many of whom were facing job losses and adjusting to online learning. All of this was accompanied by a mountain of laundry, grocery shopping, and the need to care for my own mental health. Within days, I realized I had to throw out that carefully crafted school-like schedule.
It was simply too much. Balancing my professional responsibilities while trying to recreate a classroom at home was overwhelming, especially with my partner also working remotely.
To all the parents who are managing to homeschool their children while balancing jobs and household duties—I commend you. You are doing an incredible job, and your resilience is admirable.
For those of us who feel burnt out and overwhelmed, it’s perfectly okay to take a step back and adjust our expectations. We can navigate this period in a way that suits our family’s needs.
I recognize that my situation allows me some flexibility; my children aren’t missing out on critical subjects like algebra or phonics right now. Their preschool is offering optional, engaging activities, and we have access to food and technology. I understand that it may seem easier for me to advocate for a relaxed approach, given our circumstances, yet the core message here is about self-compassion.
Instead of stressing over formal homeschooling, it’s essential to focus on kindness towards ourselves. Keeping a loose schedule is helpful; we try to embark on “outdoor adventures” each morning, finding something new on our familiar trail. Reading together, singing, and doing crafts can also be wonderful ways to learn through play.
However, let’s not add extra pressure during this already challenging time. There’s enough to worry about as we navigate this new reality.
For more on navigating these adjustments, check out this insightful post on home insemination and consider resources like Resolve for family planning options. If you’re interested in healthy cooking, you can explore grilled vegetables for nutritious meal ideas too.
In summary, it’s important to be gentle with ourselves during this unusual time. Emphasizing play and connection over structured schooling can make a significant difference in our family’s well-being.