On a scale of 1 to Ferris Bueller’s day off, how are your kids handling school so far?
If it’s a struggle, you’re not alone.
In fact, I’m one virtual pop-quiz away from throwing in the proverbial towel and starting a go-fund-me for the tutoring they’ll need under my scholastic supervision. But I digress.
Huddle up, moms. We need to talk.
Recently, a friend mentioned something that stuck with me. She told me about the conversations being shared in a private group on Facebook, which had essentially become a platform to complain about teachers, discuss things that need improvement, and vent about school.
But wait…I thought “we’re all in this together.”
I bet that warm and fuzzy phrase doesn’t necessarily feel true for teachers who are having to now bob and weave under 2020’s unforgiving academic ropes, without much appreciation.
And if I’m being candid, I can relate to not identifying with that phrase either. As a single mom, it’s easy to feel alone in the struggle to work full time, run my own design business, and singlehandedly shoulder my kids’ education. Even with the best efforts to stay organized and remain positive, exhaustion easily sets in after working 8 hours, then coming home to do countless lessons with my son and daughter.
Fortunately, I’m blessed with a benevolent boss who gives me the freedom to work from home two days a week to help facilitate the balance of 100 percent virtual learning. I recognize that not everyone has that option and, although things are hard, my circumstances could be even more difficult. Thus, a daily dose of fortitude and faith keeps me going, knowing this is a marathon and not a sprint.
We may not agree on much these days, but I think we can all agree that “hard” is the new normal. So can we please make a pact to give each other copious amounts of grace and stop being so hard on each other?
For example, if you see me in Target smelling pumpkin spice candles and reclining in a chair with Joanna Gaines’ latest throw blanket, please don’t make eye contact. #ineedthis
In light of the Target Tendencies and our need for emotional support, in this pact we’ll have a silent understanding that I won’t expect perfection from you and you won’t expect it from me.
I would argue, however, that 2020 isn’t about perfection, it’s about perseverance. And this is not the time to fight with each other, it’s time to fight for each other. I’m talking about the kind of fight Mel Gibson put forth when he painted his face blue for the battle in Braveheart because I’m not above looking like a smurf if it means we win this war on education (and our sanity).
Okay, break the huddle. I’ll let you get back to the disgruntled sighs of your children as they close TikTok and pick up iPads to learn all the things.
Thank you for coming to my pep talk, which was fueled by coffee and Won’t-Give-Up-Itis. Now, I need a show of hands who will make a pact to fight with me.
For we can do hard things.
After all, we’re moms.
