I live in an area where the schools have officially transitioned to distance learning for the remainder of the school year in light of the steadily worsening Coronavirus pandemic. The implications of this did not fully sink in until my husband reminded me that the kids are here all day, every day for the next five months. Furthermore, I suddenly became responsible for ensuring they meet the requirements to complete their school year and succeed in progressing to the next grade level. This is definitely not what parenting was like several weeks ago, and I was feeling less than prepared for the changes. For one thing, I did not keep anywhere near enough school supplies on hand.
The moment that my new reality sank in, our living room was covered from one end to the other in school papers for the kids, their computers, my husband’s papers and computer, and my papers and computer. It looked like someone had haphazardly poured the contents of an office recycle bin across every couch and table with plenty spilling over onto the floor. The peace I normally feel in my home dissolved because disorganization feels itchy and panicky. Apparently, I might be slightly neurotic.
Fortunately, my most useful mantra happens to be “panic does not solve problems.” So, I closed my eyes, took some deep breaths, and reminded myself to not panic. I spent some time thinking about what my new schedule would look like and tried to prioritize the needs. In this case, it was obvious that the kids required some supplies for organization, so I immediately ordered a supply of paper and file folders. It was amazing how much better I felt just knowing the materials needed to bring order to all that chaos were on the way. Moving step-wise through my new list of tasks now seemed at least manageable.
For many of us, reality just drastically changed. Even for anyone whose days are mostly similar to what they were a month ago, there is an added component of uncertainty and the knowledge that the days could be upended very soon. This is not the type of situation people predict and prepare for well. Scientists have been saying for many years that there will be more pandemics, but our level of preparedness given this knowledge is marginal. I have taken many classes and been to numerous lectures about pandemics, and I am caught unprepared, too.
The learning curve on this is steep. We are required to immediately adapt all of our planning, shopping, cleaning, time management, and childcare to match the current health crisis. Of course, there are plenty of complications, like supply shortages and internet connections that are slower than usual. Not to mention having a plan in the event you or a family member contracts Coronavirus and becomes sick.
All you parents who are struggling and feel like you are not getting things right, take a deep breath. Do not panic. You are doing your best. Take the challenges one step at a time. If you get it wrong, learn and try again. You have never been here before, and you deserve some leeway for a mistake or two (or three). Keeping your family healthy and fed in the midst of this pandemic is more than enough. Maybe if we can move beyond the other stresses and being stir-crazy, we can take some of this time to enjoy a slower pace of life for a little while. Things will eventually get back to being normal, and our kids will once again be over-scheduled. For now, enjoy the extra rest and time with your family as much as you can.
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