A note to parents who are feeling pressure to homeschool right now.

Call me crazy. It’s Thursday, 4 days into quarantine, and academic progress is really the last thing I’m pushing on our kids. (What, Ayme, aren’t you a teacher? Doesn’t your family already homeschool?) Public, private, charter, home school, whatever you do — I’m pretty confident a break is totally ok right now! Because, give me a sec.

A few days away from grade-level learning isn’t a matter of survival. There’s a reason for putting the oxygen mask on yourself before helping someone else. What happens to a dependent if their support fails? Self care is critical, and it’s not selfish. Get grounded. youcannothelpsomeoneelseifyoureweak

I’ll be honest I was needing some personal space and care before all of this, so everything right now is icing on the cake. (I’m pretty sure that’s a lot of us.)

Hey. Moms, Dads, Everyone. It-is-O-K to tread lightly for a minute. A handful of days without school structure…it’s ok. And what else — have we ever needed such a minute to gather our thoughts! Can we please gain perspective before shifting daily habits, be it homeschool or something else.

I just took a couple of days off, and here I go – like a boss. No, please, are you serious?!

Is anyone feeling stress-free right now? What’s your secret!?

But a few unstructured days have me feeling slightly less dizzy. So that helps! Here are 4 ideas I’ve been thinking about, as we create new routines and normalcy at home. And I’m curious what you’d add? 

Check Your Needs What are the needs of each member in my home? – How can I make sure each person’s needs are met (including mine)?

• Space – emotional and physical
• Accepting each other’s perspectives – don’t expect everyone to handle this the same
• Attention
• Time and connection
• Freedom to create
• Freedom with time management
• Boundaries with technology
• Regular schedule and routine
• Acceptance 
• Encouragement
• What else?

Use This Time to Grow How can each family member grow spiritually, physically, mentally, and emotionally during this time? (soul-body-mind-heart) Can each of us have one goal with these areas to focus on every day?

• Soul What is feeding your soul? Are you growing closer to God in this time? As Christians, we read the Bible and pray because we believe the Holy Spirit protects us. And God gives us what we need. We need peace, joy, love, patience, goodness, kindness, self-control, gentleness, faithfulness, all more than ever right now!
• Body Nutrition and exercise are so important, all the time. And what other ways do you take care of yourself? 
• Mind Are you reading something right now? What are you focusing on that’s true and good, lovely and right? Are you growing your mind to learn new things?
• Heart Empathy and compassion grow with practice and intention, right? How are you keeping a soft heart when your world is flipped around?

Give and Be Selfless

What does selflessness look like right now? It might be sending a text, or a phone call. Maybe it’s giving food or other items to neighbors. Maybe it’s supporting an effort in your local area. Yes, giving to others is so needed right now. And especially in our own homes. How are we giving selflessly to one another right now, in our home? Be peace, be love, be joy, be patient, be kind, be gentle. This.is.hard.

Be Sure to Rest

What part of the day can be set aside without expectation? To me, rest is disengagement from all influence and structure. It means a total break from technology, accomplishment, and expectation. It means journaling, creating, and walking leisurely. For me, rest sometimes means closing my eyes in a quiet room, lighting a candle, painting, cleaning something just because I feel like it, putting flowers in vases, repotting a plant, daydreaming. What does it look like for you?

I want to look back on this season and smile. I want to create memories of hope and love, peace and certainty, don’t you?

Hugs to you and yours — from 6 feet away, of course.

Together We Thrive!
~Ayme