All of a sudden I found myself in a position I had not thought of before but was sure I would be good at it. As a structured problem solver I was confident that with the right skills and some time I would be able to do all that was asked. I mean how hard could it be to keep working, help the kids with their homework and keep the household running right? That was me 20 odd days ago before the schools were closed due to the corona pandemic.
Since then the following has happened:
- I have become a part time teacher who is at home full time.
- I have gone from working full time to working less full time but then in all hours outside of schooling hours (aka when the sun is shining)
- I have gone from a general duster and tidying upper to a part time cleaner (as my wonderful help is not coming in anymore to support in that department)
- I have become a selective cook and nutritionist - did we have enough fresh fruit and vegetables yesterday? ok, then today it will be canned veggies topped up with applesauce (appelmoes in Dutch - part of the staple diet of every child)
- And lastly I have also sometimes been the delivery service for my elderly neighbours (who are looking after their Mom who is 90-something)
Below: This is what I looked like after the first week
20 odd days further (as I do not even know what day it is now) and I have realised some things:
- My negotiating skills need to be improved and I have since discovered I am not as patient as I once thought myself to be. This is directly related to the school work we have to do with both kids.
- I once wanted to pursue a career in teaching... uhm
- My kids are doing great! they have accepted this situation better than most adults (and this is excluding the constant nagging from us to get their homework done or to concentrate for just one more minute)
- I will either need to follow a diet now or will need to be carried out on a stretcher in 6 months time… why do I need to eat everything we have? It is not boredom that's for sure.
What I wish to change the coming period to make things easier for myself and my family
- Accept that I cannot be a perfectionist in all departments
- Try and do more creative workouts with the whole family. We already go out about 4 or 5 times a day to let the dog out but maybe a communal workout will help us all.
- Spend some quiet time in the sun. It is Spring and this week it will be 20+ degrees outside. I am going to find a spot in the sun and either read my book or just lie there.
- Actively try and improve my kids' planning and execution skills. I am good at planning and can try to help my children with that. I suck at Dutch grammar though so my husband can do that :). If they can learn to (semi) independently plan and execute homework they will be far better skilled for their futures.
#StayAtHome #StaySafe #AtHome
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Hi Shelley, enjoyed your message. I miss my family because the do not like sending messages or hanging on the phone. Because I know you it makes what you are doing even more enjoyable. Keep it up.