In the early days of the pandemic, Cate Blanchett took on an unexpected challenge: homeschooling her 7-year-old daughter, Emily. While Blanchett is celebrated for her remarkable acting talent, she found herself stepping into a role that was far more demanding than any character she has portrayed. Emily insisted that her mother dress up as her real teacher, complete with a costume and a teacher’s voice—yes, really!
Joking about her experience on an Australian talk show, Blanchett shared that while her older children, Max and Charlie, could manage their studies independently, it was Emily’s online lessons that truly tested her. “After just two weeks, I realized I couldn’t even help her with first-grade math. She saw right through me,” Blanchett quipped. “My credibility was shot.”
The situation escalated when Emily insisted her mother adopt the persona of her teacher, Mrs. Smithson, for their classes. “She wouldn’t let me teach any subjects unless I dressed up and spoke like Mrs. Smithson,” Blanchett recalled. “I even had to bring my stuffed animals into the mix, each named after her classmates. It was like a bizarre mix of a children’s show and a masterclass, and honestly, it was quite overwhelming.”
Reflecting on the experience, Blanchett humorously declared that her teaching days are now behind her. “Mrs. Smithson? I’ve put that character to rest. She was a saint for dealing with all that!” The actress emphasized her newfound respect for educators, noting that they deserve to be compensated fairly for their work. “In Finland, teachers receive salaries on par with doctors and lawyers, and they absolutely should. The skill it takes to engage a classroom full of often-uninterested students is nothing short of remarkable.”
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If you’re curious about related topics, you might want to explore:
- Homeschooling tips for parents
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- The importance of teacher roles in education
- How to manage remote learning
- Finding balance in parenting and work
In summary, Cate Blanchett’s experience homeschooling her daughter during the pandemic not only highlighted the challenges of remote education but also deepened her admiration for teachers everywhere. Her playful yet poignant reflections remind us of the complexities of parenting, especially in unprecedented times.