In this era of remote work and online learning, I think it’s safe to say that the challenges of homeschooling are pushing many parents to their limits. My partner, Alex, and I have implemented a “divide and conquer” strategy to tackle our daily chaos. I focus on our teen son, Ethan—who believes that waking up before 9 AM is a crime and thinks schoolwork is pointless—while Alex manages our two daughters, Lily and Mia, who are both unpredictable and often act like frenemies.
With three kids learning at home and two parents trying to work, we’re definitely outnumbered. This was apparent even before the pandemic, especially when we went grocery shopping as a family. But now, it feels even more overwhelming.
Enter Grandma.
Well, not literally—she lives in Colorado while we’re in Oregon, and her recent visit was wisely canceled due to the ongoing pandemic. Nonetheless, my amazing mother-in-law has been a lifesaver during this time, offering her support through FaceTime. Each afternoon, she steps in just when we need it most. Our oldest, Ethan, is occupied with his own schoolwork, while Lily manages to keep up with her assignments. But Mia, our youngest, finishes her work right after lunch and, let me tell you, she’s a whirlwind of energy and curiosity.
As the older kids start to lose their homework stamina, Mia often becomes restless and wanders around the house, creating distractions like a one-kid tornado. We try to keep her entertained with toys and art projects, but nothing seems to hold her attention for long. That’s when Grandma jumps on the iPad for storytime.
Let me tell you, the days when Grandma can’t connect are pure chaos. But when she does, it’s like a miracle. This simple act of reading stories to Mia gives us a much-needed breather. The call usually starts with Mia showing off her messy play area, then she picks out a few books—though it’s mostly the same ones over and over, like “Pete the Cat’s Big Lunch.” Even if the session ends earlier than planned due to Mia’s antics, it still provides a solid hour of distraction.
Mia looks forward to these calls like they’re a trip to Disneyland. I like to think Grandma enjoys it too, although she might just be powering through out of duty. Either way, this little routine has made our lives significantly more manageable during these challenging times.
So, to all the grandparents using technology to assist with the craziness of homeschooling, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude. As a parent juggling three kids, you’re helping us maintain our sanity during this unprecedented period, and that is a true blessing. Your grandchildren will cherish these moments, and we, their parents, are incredibly grateful.
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Summary
This article expresses gratitude for grandparents who are helping with homeschooling via FaceTime during the pandemic. It highlights the challenges parents face while managing work and children’s education and emphasizes the positive impact of virtual interaction with grandparents.