DAY 46

I read an article in the New York Times about the problems that parents are having with distance learning. I know what a challenge it is for me with one child, and I am an experienced home schooling mom. A parent who is already working their own job from home with multiple children to guide through many lessons a day is a recipe for a nervous breakdown. The incredible stress that we are all feeling makes it even more difficult to effectively guide our children. Miss Nine is normally very cheerful and cooperative, but as the weeks go on she is having more and more emotional outbursts. The inability to see her friends and other family members is probably the most difficult thing for her. I try to keep her engaged in real life activities like art, music and outdoor play, but more and more she wants to zone out in front of a screen. The more screen time she has, the crabbier she gets when she can't use a device. I totally understand, but I frequently lose my patience and we both end up crabby and miserable.

I am beginning to think about ways to reconnect her with her friends, even just one friend that she might be able to spend time with. At some point we have to put the mental health of our children, and ourselves, first. I am sure that we can do this carefully and safely. I have begun reaching out to other parents to explore this issue.

Our school has spirit weeks throughout the year where the kids have different themes for dress. Yesterday was Virtual Learners Day. As you can see, it could have been pajama day as well. Today was Red White and Blue day, but she had that mostly covered yesterday with those p.j.s. It's not quite as much fun for her to participate in these spirit days here at home. The kids can post their pictures on the school Facebook page, but it's not the same as seeing each other up close and personal. If I had to choose a Spirit Day for myself it would probably be Crazy Mom Day. Every day.