I can’t believe it, but I’ve spent a whole year battling with my kids over school, and I’m finally done.
The other day, my seven-year-old and I were stuck in yet another struggle over his schoolwork. I had his writing assignment in my hand, and he had managed to craft several thoughtful sentences for school. But when it came to doing the same for me, he was reluctant to engage without a fight.
I reassured him that he didn’t have to write about his best day as his teacher instructed; he could choose to write about his worst day or anything else he liked as long as he produced a few sentences. He seemed worried that he would get in trouble, that he was failing first grade, and he was on the verge of tears without really understanding why.
In that moment, I realized something important. Instead of getting frustrated and pushing him to complete the assignment, I took a seat next to him in his superhero-themed bedroom. I said, “You won’t get in trouble, and you can’t fail first grade. In fact, you’re a superhero in your own right.”
He sat up a little straighter, looking at me in disbelief. I continued, “You know, no child in history has had to do what you’re doing right now. No one has ever had to attend school from home, sitting in their bedroom, watching their teacher through a screen. You and your friends are making history.”
A visible weight lifted from his small shoulders, and he asked, “What does that mean?” I explained that I hadn’t given him enough credit for handling such a challenging situation. I told him how proud I was of him and all the kids who are doing the impossible this year. I apologized for not expressing it more often, and a tear rolled down his cheek.
We’ve appreciated everyone from healthcare workers to grocery store staff, but we’ve overlooked our children who are bearing the brunt of everything we’ve placed on them this past year. We often say kids are resilient, and they truly are. However, they are the real heroes in this narrative, adjusting daily without having a say in their own lives.
We closed his school laptop and spent the rest of the day playing together. What was meant to be a temporary situation has turned into a full year of struggle. This is our home, and I refuse to let it become a battleground over something we cannot control. It just doesn’t make sense anymore.
So, hug your little superheroes today and remember to give them the same understanding we’ve extended to everyone else. For more insights, check out this article on home insemination and family planning.
Additional Resources
- How to support kids during remote learning
- Encouraging children while homeschooling
- Coping strategies for parents and kids
- Managing schoolwork stress at home
- Importance of mental health for children
In summary, the challenges of remote schooling have led to a year of battles between parents and children, but it’s time to shift focus and appreciate the resilience of kids. By embracing their efforts, we can create a more supportive and understanding home environment.