This isn’t going to be one of those posts that share facts about the pandemic that is shaking our world.
It’s not about seven ways to socially distance yourself, or five songs to wash your hands to or how to make the most of your time in isolation. Personally, I’ve had enough suggestions from also-scared friends on social media. Facts like that aren’t in my lane, so please look to resources like the Center for Disease Control for best practices.
No, I’d like to take a minute and say something to moms and dads right now; “You’re doing great, y’all.”
In what seemed like an overnight shift, nearly every part of your lives were upended. Your job has likely changed drastically- whether you’re working remotely or having increased processes or responsibilities at work. Many of you have had your hours cut or been laid-off. If you’re a teacher, you’ve had to translate your lesson plans to an online or pre-delivered format. I know my business has dealt with frantic clients, many wanting to discontinue service and others striving to stay alive during the tumult. It’s enough to keep you up at night with the fear of the present, rethinking the past, and anxious of an unknown future.
By the way, you’ve picked up a new job that you never trained for – teaching your kids. Overnight, you were expected to juggle your professional responsibilities while being able to communicate about logarithms, explaining scientific theories, and how to roll the “r” in Spanish. While most school districts and educational companies are working hard to provide you with resources, you didn’t train to be an educator like they did. Plus, your students don’t change classes and you don’t get to send them home at 3:00 PM.
Those other domestic responsibilities like cooking and cleaning are going to be a bit tougher because your family is THERE. ALL. DAY.
You’re cooking more, cleaning more, and leading your family more. Your support systems like friends, coworkers, churches, and community groups have all become strained and even small supports like being able to go to a restaurant are limited. In a time when you could use support the most, it’s become harder to come by.
And despite the challenges, you’re crushing it.
You’re the heroes in this story. You’re leading your family through the fearful unknown despite the changing information on a daily basis. You’ve picked up one of the hardest jobs in the world, teaching, and you’re doing the best you can. You’ve had to learn a new way to do your regular job and perform under even higher expectations during a challenging time. You’re doing it all with fewer breaks and more stress.
Be proud of yourself. You’re a hero.
