School

Let me start out by saying, I LOVE taking my classes online. However, I do not like my kids taking classes online. I love to learn, I wish my kids understood the value of learning. Getting Ms. Six to do her homework is hard. She fights it or acts like she doesn’t know what she is doing. I get it, it is a hard time for everyone.

I have a full-time school schedule. I still have to work. I am considered “essential”. My supervisor is out on maternity leave and my other co-worker is out with possible COVID-19. I try to help out more, but it has been TOUGH. I know, I am not alone. I am not even on the front line like health care workers or even grocery store workers. Hats off to them. I’ll buy y’all a drink when this is all over.

Okay, back to the kids school. I am so glad that we have two desktops and two laptops to work with. Our district also had Google Chromebooks to give to people in need. They also just closed school for the rest of this academic year, which we all knew would happen.

The trick is to get into a routine. It doesn’t work all the time, but it does help. I don’t make the kids start until 9 most days. That gives me a couple hours in the morning to get my own school work done and to get them up, fed, and dressed. Around 11, Ms. Six has a zoom Karate class (which has surprisingly also been a huge struggle). Then it is lunch around noon and by 1 they are back to class. The days I work, all that is out the window. But, hey, free childcare. Can’t complain too much. Those days, I get home around 6:30 and they are fed, but then get to work for a couple hours. They make up what they miss out on the next day. Thankfully, the teachers haven’t put me in time out yet.

I am very interested to see how the rest of this school year goes for the kids. I am also thankful that my school semester is almost done. I will have more time to focus on the kids school work and help them out better.

Self Care

Do NOT forget about self-care. Please, don’t. All of us need a break. Even if you have to hide in the bathroom pretending to poo for 10 minutes to browse TikTok or Instagram (Hey! Follow me here!) Take the time to brush your hair in the morning, put on deodorant, or whatever you want to do to help you feel normal.

If you are feeling not like yourself or depressed, reach out to someone. These times are rough. Do not feel bad asking for help. Don’t feel like you’re a burden for reaching out to friends. If you need someone to talk to, reach out to the Suicide Prevention Hotline. Even though you may be feeling alone, you are not.