It’s true: the upcoming days, weeks, and possibly months, are unlikely to showcase our best parenting skills. And you know what? That’s perfectly acceptable. I hope my family understands that, too.
Honestly, some days—okay, most days—I just can’t give it my all. I’m feeling overwhelmed. Are you feeling the same way? Turn on the TV, scroll through social media, and there it is: COVID-19 looming over us like a dark cloud.
So let’s take a step back. Whatever life has thrown your way lately? Let’s dial it down a notch—or seven.
If you’ve transitioned from being a stay-at-home parent to an impromptu homeschool teacher, remember: it’s okay to just scrape by. Forget about those Pinterest-perfect crafts, elaborate science projects, or spectacular outdoor adventures. We’re facing enough stress as it is, so let’s not add to it by trying to meet unrealistic expectations set by social media. I mean, do I really want to wear myself thin putting on puppet shows and hosting fancy tea parties? Hard pass.
Maybe your office has shut down, and now you’re juggling work-from-home responsibilities while playing schoolteacher. And let’s face it, you probably don’t even have a proper workspace because fitting your office desk in your car was a no-go. I see you at the kitchen counter trying to balance a conference call with dinner prep. Or maybe you’re sitting on your bedroom floor surrounded by toys and snacks, or even shedding a few tears in the shower—your first in days. It’s completely fine if your child is spending a bit too much time on the iPad right now, and it’s okay if they’re not engaged in educational games.
Life is throwing us all the most unpredictable challenges, and it’s normal to miss a few swings. Honestly, I feel like I’ve struck out almost continuously in the past week. But the key is to keep trying.
Aim for doing what you can today. Wait—your “best” might just be too much. How about just doing what you can manage today? Then tackle it again tomorrow.
Let’s lower our expectations for activities we plan for our little ones. Most of us are simply trying to keep our heads above water. And guess what? It’s perfectly fine if your kids experience boredom. We don’t have to fill every moment with activities. We’re not a theme park! Just yesterday, my younger two were so bored they ended up deciding to “growl at each other” for fun. And off they went!
Let’s ease up on the pressure to entertain them. They’ll find ways to occupy themselves, even if it ends up being a little strange or messy.
We’re all just trying to manage. I’m not aiming for parenting accolades right now. As a former teacher and stay-at-home mom of four daughters ranging from ages four to seventeen, I should find this “homeschool parent” role easier. But let’s be real—it’s incredibly challenging.
I haven’t seen any seasoned homeschooling parents express, “I told you so!” Instead, they’re supporting the newcomers—thank you for that! Although honestly, I could use a little hand-holding right now.
Let’s not forget that our children are watching us. How we navigate this global crisis will leave a lasting impression on them. Consider this: everyone is impacted by this fast-moving, frightening virus, but how we respond within our homes will matter the most. Are they seeing fear, anxiety, and panic? Or can we model positivity and resilience? Let’s show them that it’s okay to not have everything under control and that we’re all doing our best—even if “best” means just getting through the day.
Whether you’re a stay-at-home parent, a long-time homeschooling expert, a dad working from the kitchen table, or a suddenly unemployed parent, it’s okay to simply get by right now. This is NOT our finest hour.
And remember: it’s alright if your child spends extra time on the iPad. Just be cautious about giving them access to Pinterest, or you might face some unexpected drama!
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Summary
In these challenging times, parents are struggling to adapt to new roles as educators and caregivers amidst the ongoing pandemic. It’s essential to acknowledge that it’s okay to lower our expectations and simply get by. Children will learn from our reactions, so let’s model resilience and understanding, even if that means allowing extra screen time or embracing boredom.