Ok everybody in, we need to talk. Let’s just get this out of the way first.

We do not prefer this situation.

It’s true that the schools are doing their best to protect those in our school systems AND it is true that many people have been left high and dry with no childcare options. It is not what we want, but it is our reality.

Now what?

Nobody thinks this is an ideal way for our kids to learn. Or that people being forced to make hard decisions on proper childcare is a great situation. But unfortunately it is the way things are.

Where you go from here is up to you as a parent.

Our kids are watching, looking, and listening to see how we respond. This is a great opportunity to be the leader your kids need right now.

Attitudes are contagious and you get to pick yours every day. How do you think your kids will approach this new style of learning if you are constantly talking about how much you hate it/don’t agree with it? Now picture how they will react if you help them keep an open mind about this.

A few things to keep in mind as we get ready for the new school year.

You are not alone

It’s ok to ask for help from family, neighbors, or friends. It’s amazing what can happen when people pull together. And I think you will be pleasantly surprised at the number of people who are willing to help, whatever your situation is.

You are also not alone if you are raising a kid who can expertly coordinate an attack in Fortnite with multiple teammates online, but can’t seem to figure out how to e-mail his teacher an assignment. It’s fine.

Teachers are learning too

There aren’t any teachers that set out to become virtual teachers. The teachers I know thrive from being in the classroom with their students. This is not ideal for them either.

But they have been studying, preparing, and getting ready to tackle this new style of teaching. They won’t be perfect, there will be miscommunication, and you will get frustrated with them. Just know they are working on it and the more experience they get the better they will get.

Great things can come out of terrible situations

Did you know the chocolate chip cookie, electric razor, car radio, tampons, and Monopoly were all invented during The Great Depression? If someone can take their anguish, worry, and stress and channel it into inventing the greatest cookie of all time, then anything is possible. Thank you Ruth Wakefield, Toll House cookies are still amazing.

You’re stronger than you think

“You never know how strong you are, until being strong is your only choice.”
-Bob Marley.

Your kids need you, your teachers need you, and you will get through this. Hang in there my friend, we are all going to be ok.

Read this next…

Local support groups pop up for parents making tough school choices
How to get started homeschooling
When you’ve reached your boiling point

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