Wow, this is a blog post I never thought I’d write! I’m currently at home with my four children working on e-learning and it’s not snowing outside, there is no fog nor ice. Being at home on a school day away from my students is harder than I thought it would be. Right now I’m trying my best to keep things calm and “normal” here. The worries I am experiencing are stressing me out. I’m struggling with being overprotective of our health and those of the people we love, while not falling into fear of the unknown. I’ll admit, it’s been rough!
The worst part is that my children are also stressed and anxious. I am breaking up fights between them and comforting tearful breakdowns. We had to have a family meeting to discuss some rules we were putting in place, and what we were going to do as a family to get through the uncertain future. We’ve been trying to be honest with our children about why we need to be isolated and what we can do in the meantime. Parenting has never been an easy task, but now it feels so much more difficult and important.
I do not have all the answers. I’ve lost my cool many times as I am stressed and concerned, also. I’m trying to take a few minutes daily to do something that brings me calm. Yesterday, I was able to go for a walk and pull a few weeds. It helped to see signs of spring. I read, even if it’s only for a few minutes. I plan to do a puzzle with my family and play some board games as time goes on. One thing I’ve really had to focus on is when my kids are being good. I have found myself stopping whatever I am doing every time I hear laughter. My kids enjoy singing, that also brings me joy. Try to take a few minutes for yourself every day, even if it is just those couple when your children are happy!
I would like to provide your children support during the upcoming time off. I normally would help an upset child with daily morning check ins, a walk through the halls to allow them time away from frustrations in the classroom, or a one on one talk at lunch. I cannot do that in the same way right now, but I am trying to think “outside of the social distancing” to come together in a different way. I’ve created videos in the past that you can find on my website. These will be fun for the students to watch. They will likely see some familiar faces! I plan to put my own children to work on helping me create new ones. Additionally, I’m thinking of new ways to check in with my students on a weekly basis. So, watch for postings on Dojo or the Vinton Facebook page. We may not be able to share daily hugs or hi-fives, but we can still stay in touch through technology. For that, I’m eternally grateful!
The worst part is that my children are also stressed and anxious. I am breaking up fights between them and comforting tearful breakdowns. We had to have a family meeting to discuss some rules we were putting in place, and what we were going to do as a family to get through the uncertain future. We’ve been trying to be honest with our children about why we need to be isolated and what we can do in the meantime. Parenting has never been an easy task, but now it feels so much more difficult and important.
I do not have all the answers. I’ve lost my cool many times as I am stressed and concerned, also. I’m trying to take a few minutes daily to do something that brings me calm. Yesterday, I was able to go for a walk and pull a few weeds. It helped to see signs of spring. I read, even if it’s only for a few minutes. I plan to do a puzzle with my family and play some board games as time goes on. One thing I’ve really had to focus on is when my kids are being good. I have found myself stopping whatever I am doing every time I hear laughter. My kids enjoy singing, that also brings me joy. Try to take a few minutes for yourself every day, even if it is just those couple when your children are happy!
I would like to provide your children support during the upcoming time off. I normally would help an upset child with daily morning check ins, a walk through the halls to allow them time away from frustrations in the classroom, or a one on one talk at lunch. I cannot do that in the same way right now, but I am trying to think “outside of the social distancing” to come together in a different way. I’ve created videos in the past that you can find on my website. These will be fun for the students to watch. They will likely see some familiar faces! I plan to put my own children to work on helping me create new ones. Additionally, I’m thinking of new ways to check in with my students on a weekly basis. So, watch for postings on Dojo or the Vinton Facebook page. We may not be able to share daily hugs or hi-fives, but we can still stay in touch through technology. For that, I’m eternally grateful!