I'm going to say something that may be triggering.
Distance Learning.
Have you been triggered? I certainly am.
This last year or so had been incredibly difficult for me, but the good news?
If you’re feeling the same you’re not alone.
Today, I'm showing you how I've survived being a parent of 5 distance learners in the past year!
How to Survive Parenthood
Put your head down and trudge through?
I mean, that’s what we do. Distance learning is hard.
It’s even harder when you have more than one child in school.
All of the things we did day to day we now have to add being teacher to that list.
I don’t mean to downplay all of the work that teachers are putting in.
I honestly can’t even imagine the pressure, workload, and sheer time management they must be dealing with.
Many teachers are parents also so they’re juggling a lot.
The Day to Day Wake up! You’re LATE!!
Change your shirt so no one knows you’re still in your pajamas!
This is literally every day of my life.
Sure, some days are better than others, but even just signing in to google classrooms on time for what feels like a million times a day is the worst part of distance learning.
I have alarms set up with each class and its time, but even still- it’s not enough.
We’re pulled in so many different directions just being caregivers- adding all of the monotony and stress of zoom meetings is just straight-up taxing.
That’s just the schedule.
I won’t mention having all the materials gathered for your younger child who can’t get their sh*t together to save their lives.
We trudge through.
Sometimes, the teachers aren’t on time either - we’re all in this together.
At least, that’s what I tell myself.
Can You Mute Yourself?
I can’t count how many times I hear this.
Whether it’s my kids or someone else's, this phrase rings throughout the house.
You’d think over a year into distance learning, everyone would have learned by now that this is the first you need to do when you log in.
The kids should know...They’ve had enough practice, but no.
As we’re talking (read screaming) to our partner or other children running around we’re reminded that this may not be contained to our own ears.
If you have dropped the f-bomb or had an argument in front of the entire class you’re not alone.
I like to think that we’re not being judged. Times are hard.
This is stressful and we’re at home. All. The. Time. There’s no escape.
There’s not enough support. They get it. They have to.
Find Your Tribe
If your current circle is the perfect parent and is always saying how much of blessing this new version of homeschool is going - evaluate your tribe.
I am sure there are those parents and caregivers who are thriving with distance learning.
I just don’t necessarily believe them.
Or they have lots and lots of help and support- and wealth to support all of that.
Stop comparing yourself to others.
The judgement train stops here.
Us normies are drowning.
We need all need a life raft.
Thankfully, I have a local-ish friend with who we have created a pod so we can visit occasionally, we need those everyday online friends.
Those who we can vent to - honestly and be met with an empathetic ear and give us some socialization.
It’s Hard on the Kids Too
Children adapt well, but distance learning is all super new to them to and they miss their friends.
If this is your child's first year in school they’re probably feeling miffed.
The colorful classroom, recess, and new faces aren’t surrounding them.
The hands-on experience is dead.
Kids thrive on multi-sensory learning and that’s something a tablet or Chromebook can’t provide.
Conclusion - Surviving Distance Learning
I wish I had all the answers on how to be a super mom.
The master of all things Pinterest and distance learning, but I’m none of those things.
We all have our strengths and weaknesses.
Distance learning does not define us - nor our children.
At the end of the day if we’ve loved on our children, kept them alive, and well- made it out without physically pulling our hair out we are doing great.
This doesn’t mean we necessarily feel so great though.
Give yourself some me-time.
When you find 20 minutes to yourself soak all of that stress away. Jump into the tub and throw in some bath soak.
ELEVATED's Bath Soak in Calming Lavender is my favorite way to de-stress after a long day with 5 kids.
ELEVATED Bath Soaks are loaded with magnesium, nutrient and herb-rich, filled with sea and epsom salts and crystal infused!
Their bath soaks will allow you to unwind by doing the following:
- Relieve tension
- Reduce stress
- Alleviate symptoms due to IBS, Leaky Gut, Adrenal Fatigue, and other body-stress symptoms
- Relieve muscle soreness
- Lift spirits
- Reduce spider veins and wrinkles
- Pamper
- Moisturize
- Detox
- Soothe and heal!
Your mental health - and your muscles will thank you for it.
