Before I’ve even had a chance to brush my teeth, the day sometimes seems to already be heading downhill. Rushing around and nagging everyone to get out of bed, get dressed, brush teeth and hair, make beds, and pack the chrome book has already started us all off on the wrong foot.
After I kiss all of my kids goodbye and send them off to school, mom guilt quickly sets in. I start to think about how much is expected of kids these days, and how they really are doing a wonderful job at keeping it all together, considering all that has been thrown at them this year.
2020 – Need I say more?
Back in March, their little worlds were turned upside down. They were sent home from school with a stack of homework to complete. Their hopes of returning to finish out the year in person quickly turned into seeing their teachers a few times a week on a hectic Zoom call. They were not allowed to see their friends or have play dates. Birthday parties and summer vacations were postponed or canceled. In the past few weeks, things have only gotten a little bit better.
There is so much discussion lately about our children’s mental, social, and emotional well-being. Some children are still without in-person school, and therefore missing interaction with classmates and teachers. For the children who do attend school, they have to stay six feet apart and don’t get to mingle with their friends who are not in their homeroom classroom. This has caused children to feel more uneasy and isolated than usual. None of what they are feeling should be taken lightly.
They wear their mask at school all day without hesitation. They have acquired new skills like Google Teams and video conferencing. They have had to adapt to a “new normal” that is very different from a typical day a year ago. They have learned to adjust and still find fun through it all.
Silver Lining
I firmly believe that the silver lining to all of this is that our children will be a different generation– for the better. They are learning the importance of putting others before themselves. Every day, they are learning to be patient and flexible and in the process, they are becoming more resilient.
It can be difficult to not get frustrated with our kids. After all, none of this has been easy for anyone. We can fixate on the dirty clothes, doors left open, dirty dishes, and messes to clean up, or we can focus on the positive. I think it is important to acknowledge the amazing things our kids have accomplished, and what they are teaching us through it all.
When I look around at my kids and their friends, I am amazed! They are dealing with 2020 better than some adults. I think we all need to take a minute and remind our kids just how AMAZING they truly are!
