Parenting in a Pandemic

Yesterday marked the beginning of week 2 of pandemic homeschooling at our house. The local school district made the decision to move to "at-home learning" while we were on Spring Break and we had a week extra off after that.

I have read many articles about parents during this pandemic; they all boil down to this: parents are struggling. It's so true. I have made a schedule for our two youngest children (grade 5 and grade 7) that includes art, music, free play, outside time, and all the normal school subjects. It is divided by hour so I have set a timer on my phone and every hour when it goes off, I yell, "next subject!" This is what is passing for school at my house.

This sweat shop approach to learning has to be enough because in between yelling, "next subject!" I am trying to work from home. I have printed signs that read "In a Meeting" and "On the Phone" which don't stop my son from sneaking into the video conference and mouthing requests to me. I watch my coworkers shoo off pets and children and hold babies in their laps. We are all multitasking on a new level.

I know that I am not giving my all to my employer right now. I want to. But between demands from my children, my partner's need for attention, the anxiety of the situation, and the distraction of being in my living room...I don't have much left to give to work. And on top of all that, my job is to ask people for money for a worthy charity. A nagging guilt sets in when I even consider asking for money. And so we simply reach out and talk to donors and would-be donors. It is important to let them know we are still here, we still care about them, and our mission is still as important as ever. I try to wait patiently for the day they will be able to open their wallets to help again.

I know that I am not giving my all to my children right now. I know that because I am giving anything to my work, I can't give my all to my children. They are scared and uncertain right now. They don't have a normal so I try to give them routine. They don't see their teachers and friends so I try to give them some happy memories instead. They are not learning at their best, either, so I give them flexibility and understanding in getting assignments done. I know that our already taxed teachers will have a lot of review and reteaching to do in the Fall semester; I only hope that everything is back to "normal" by August.

I am so grateful my children are older because the stress of little ones is unconscionable to me right now. But I know that because my kids are tween and teen, they observe all that is going on so much more accurately. They will remember a time of grieving and fear where little ones will only remember the disruption and time together. But I know many of my friends are wiping faces and changing diapers while I yell to switch subjects; my heart goes out to those dear ones also.

We parents are trying to do our very best, as we always are. We are trying to be productive members of society earning enough to provide for our families while also nurturing and teaching little ones of varying ages. And now we are doing it in less than ideal circumstances that feel as uncertain as quicksand. Please show us and yourselves grace during this time. Reach out to parents you know and offer encouragement. If you are an employer, communicate with your employees and know that you will likely get decreased productivity for a time.

My mom has always quoted the bible during times of difficulty: This too shall pass.