Guest Blog: Home Schooling... Really?
On March 13th, I was sitting in my serene, child-free office when I learned my son, Rafa’s school was closing until April 14th in response to COVID-19.
No problem, I thought, and I began making a list of all the amazing things we could do to pass the time and continue learning outside of school. Paper Mache. Scrabble en Español. I imagined intimate Martha Stewart inspired dinners with neighbors and a springtime photo shoot at the park. We attend a small, academically excellent school, and I wasn’t concerned about homework and distance learning. Everything was under control.
That evening I drove home, calmly explained the situation to my son, and we made up a kid-friendly contract with Our Stay-At-Home Ground Rules. My son agreed to wake up for Squawk Box on CNBC, make his bed, practice piano, maintain a cheery disposition, and use free time wisely for exercise and healthy eating. I agreed to order some Legos on Amazon. Done Deal!
I poured an enormous glass of wine and took to Facebook to share my vision for our homeschooling staycation. So many friends, parents from school, and others chimed in with their own plans, recommendations, hopes, and dreams.
So, what actually happened? Where are we now? I do not know whether to laugh or cry.
I would be lying if I pretended everything in our house didn’t revolve around cable. For the past three weeks, I have struggled to balance my professional calendar and our strange new world. One thing is for certain: I failed to calculate I would be doing all of this IN ISOLATION. I’m a divorced mom with a crazy job that I love.
When Rafa and I drafted our plan, I underestimated the burden of real-life responsibilities of preparing and serving three to five meals a day, housekeeping and laundry, and then the care for our dogs – all that on top of school work. My ex-husband is local, and DO NOT GET ME WRONG – I am thankful that he comes by each day to take our son outside to play in exchange for a gourmet meal. He’s not hunting toilet paper, folding laundry, or administering spelling tests during back to back conference calls.
It’s only April Fools Day, and I am on edge. It’s not from the white toothpaste I found in sneakily frosted into the Oreos in our pantry. Sure, I am enjoying special time with my little one as we binge-watch Nailed It and Shark Tank. We’ve had some intense (for second grade) conversations watching Power Lunch and Squawk Alley on CNBC – we’ve learned huge fluctuations in the stock market may not make the best family entertainment. One thing leads to another, and suddenly you find yourself shaking up martinis for lunch, then you are serving up mac & cheese, and “healthy eating” goes out the window!
I am concerned that when we interact with outside people again, my son could ask them if they are “casual investors” or perform his terrifying Bill-Ackerman-crocodile-tears impersonation. I would prefer he saves the latter for his Saturday Night Live audition.
If nothing else, I’m confident Rafa learned something about the culinary arts today from Ina Garten. I learned that one key reason why the school day ends at 3:00 pm is because, by that time, TEACHERS NEED HAPPY HOUR. I also know I was delusional to think that I had the patience or intestinal fortitude to become a teacher. Silly me! I thought government affairs were a contact sport! Wrong! I panic when I see the school email about daily lessons and resources that are divided across different portals with different passwords. I tear up when I read the words INDEPENDENT LEARNING. There is nothing independent about this. I have never worked harder than to get my nearly-eight year old (who has always loved to read) TO PRETEND TO READ FOR 30 MINUTES.
As we as parents try to remain calm and care for our children during these times of uncertainty, we see all around us people trying to find silver linings and make the most out of tough situations. We’ve seen great generosity and kindness – and an outpouring of appreciation for first responders and medical personnel that take care of the sick.
I’ve gained a great respect for our teachers – and I can’t wait until I can convey my gratitude in person. In the classroom. When my son goes back to school.
Hopefully soon!
