We have made it through the start of school. Even though it might not always feel like it, you're doing great! We don't have to be perfect, we just have to be present. Whatever that looks like for your family, you're doing it right. You might be homeschooling, online schooling, or un-schooling. You might be sticking to a routine, or flying by the seat of your pants. Your daily life might resemble that of "The Brady Bunch" or it might be more like "Survivor". Whatever it is, it's all good.
My friend Erin is one of the most real moms I know. Her social media shows her crazy, beautiful, honest to goodness life and she's PROUD of it! She's not afraid to celebrate her successes, and she laughs when things don't go quite as planned. She sees each of her kids for who they are and embraces their strengths and challenges and her whole family works together to make each person the best version of themselves.
Here's some great advice from Erin, who dubs herself "Mom, Queen of Chaos":
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- It’s okay to take a break. A break from homeschooling, a break from cleaning, a break from cooking, a break from the kids, any kind of break you need.
- Get physical. Physical activity gets your blood flowing and often gets you a change of scenery. This helps SO MUCH with the caged in, helpless feelings many are having.
- Laughter really is the best medicine. When you are feeling like your head is going to explode find a way to laugh. It could be looking up silly memes, it could be calling a friend, it could be watching YouTube, find a way to laugh.
- You are your own worst critic. What you see on social media is not reality. That post of all children willingly learning and paying attention... yup, that was reality for like, one second. Social media perfect is not real life perfect, and let's face it, we are all real!
- Play. Find a way to play. This could be games with the kids, it could be over video calling with friends, it could be silly games your kids make up (that we all know they will win because they change the rules all the time). Just have F-U-N.
- Turn off the COVID-19 news. Yes, turn it off. You need to live life outside a place of panic. Watch it once a evening after the kids go to bed for a half hour or hour if you must but over all, TURN IT OFF. Keep the "adult talk" to the adults and only share with the kids the importance of good hygiene and reassure them that this situation is only temporary.
- Find a way to celebrate the small stuff. Your kid got up before noon (or slept in past 6am), celebrate. You put jeans on today, celebrate. You brushed your hair, celebrate.
- Have a random dance party. Seriously. Turn that music up. Dance like nobody can see and sing proud.
- Get messy. Jump in a mud puddle. Do messy arts and crafts. Don’t just set it up for the kids, join in.
- Love with all your heart. You are making memories that will last a lifetime. Make the most of the moments you have. Everything is not perfect, we all have moments and we all need breaks but through it all this will help define your kids future and how they see adversity. You’ve got this . You are not in this adventure alone. If you need to tap out for a bit, it’s okay. If you need someone to listen, you only need to make a call. I am sending virtual hugs all around.
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