We’re All in This Together: Back-to-school
If you’re not familiar with High School Musical, then you’ll need to watch this video to hear my mantra for this year.
We’re all in this together.
It’s such a simple phrase. Five little words. Written in the second person point-of-view, so no one is excluded. Stating that we are not alone. You can hear me singing it (almost daily) when trying to overcome life’s little battles, and this year has brought quite a few.
My current “battle” is the upcoming school year. Like so many other parents out there, I have been struggling with the changes this year will bring. Mainly because we chose to go virtual—and with four children under the age of 10, that will fall heavily on my shoulders.
Is it ideal? No.
Is it the best option for everyone? No.
Is it feasible for us? Thankfully, yes.
I am a teacher, by trade. I am a stay-at-home mom. I have all the boxes checked; it’s just hard to adjust my mindset.
I needed a change of perspective, so I took some time to listen to AWN’s very own Joy Ortiz as she discussed some pointers for this school year. It reminded me that I’m not the only one feeling this way. She sparked me to start getting excited about everything.
So, I made a plan.
We went back-to-school shopping. We got organized. We created a little space for the kiddos to work in our small home. And, we found a way to make this new adventure fun.
I found resources to help me.
I searched through many blogs and Facebook groups to gather a homeschool supply list. I found a group of local women that are also in my position. I found a whole bunch of preschool materials. I checked for updates and information on my children’s virtual school. I basically plugged myself into a new community.
I chose to focus on the positives in our situation.
We’re getting more time together. We’re able to sleep in, and start school on our schedule. We can wear PJs and be comfortable in our own home. We have the flexibility to take field trips whenever we like. (Just a few that have been running through my head.)
It was overwhelming at first. It felt like I was closing my family off from the rest of the world. But, then I remembered, we’re in a crazy time right now, and everyone is being forced to make choices. So, whether you are choosing to send your children back to school, or choosing to keep them home with you, the choice is yours. Just remember that there is a whole tribe of men and women out there in the same boat. We need to continue to support one another and stop feeling detached.
We’re all in this together.
What is your 2020 mantra??
