For those of you who have been following my blog for a while, you might remember my posts Dear teacher, and Dear mama (who is also a teacher), where I wrote myself letters in order to give myself a little grace. Today, I feel the need to do the same. Something tells me I’m not alone. Perhaps you need to hear this tonight, too. Here goes…

Dear parent,

As self isolation realities begin to set in, you feel many emotions, many extremes. You are sad that many go-to activities to keep your family busy are being taken away from you. Your heart hurts that you can’t spend time with family and friends. You’re scared with what this all means, and as much as you try to focus on one day at a time, you can’t help but wonder how long this will last. You see and hear what is going on around the world and you have more questions than answers. The unknown is wearing you down, and if you’re being honest with yourself, you’re having a really hard time keeping it together. But you do, for your kids.

You’re also stressed and completely overwhelmed with so many other expectations placed upon you. Maybe you’re still having to go into work. Maybe you’re working from home. Maybe a mixture of both. Maybe you got laid off or your business was forced to close.

Maybe you’ve also got kids who need to be home schooled. Maybe you’ve gotten too many e-mails from your kids’ teachers with activities, and links, and apps, and worksheets, and and and… or maybe you’ve not received enough and feel at a loss on how to continue on from home. Maybe it feels like too much to manage all at once.

Take a breath.

Every day is a new day.

Tomorrow will be better.

I want to remind you that although this is hard on you, it is also hard on the teachers. They found out when you found out. They are trying to do what they feel will be helpful for you during an unprecedented time. They are building the airplane while flying. And they have been working hard. They love their students and this is so difficult on them. Some of them might even feel like they’ve lost their purpose. It’s also hard for them to meet everyone’s expectations and needs when they vary greatly. They understand that your reality isn’t exactly like any one else’s and they encourage you to make decisions that are best for your family.

Remember that their first priority is that you and your family are well, happy, and healthy physically, emotionally, and mentally. All the rest is secondary. Read that again. All. The. Rest. Is. Secondary.

There is no expectations that you complete everything that is sent. There is also an immense amount of flexibility… swapping out activities for others, following your children’s passions and interests, having a PJ day and dance parties to boost the moral, cooking, baking, building, fixing, painting, exploring, inventing, investigating, creating, is all so important. These all lead to authentic learning and developing life skills. It doesn’t have to be, and shouldn’t be, worksheets and textbooks in digital formats.

They value family time and making memories just as much as you do.

So, sweet parent, please stop stressing about getting everything done. Please take a breath and let go of all that pressure. Pick and choose what you want to do; what you feel is important for you and your family. And if you feel overwhelmed again, hit that pause button. Slow it down.

Take a breath.

Tomorrow is a new day.

Tomorrow will be better.

You’ve got this.

Sincerely,

That same parent