Three Ways YOU Can Thrive with HOMESCHOOLING During the PANDEMIC

Keep the Love Coming

As I hear more parents frustrated with Homeschooling during this quarantine time, I am reminded of one of Emily’s third grade teachers at Robert Frost Elementary.  Mrs. Cooper had several years of experience, so not only was she smart but also wise when it came to teaching not one but a classroom of third graders. Early in September during Open House, as Mrs. Cooper greeted us to her classroom, she handed each one of us a sheet of paper and an envelope.  She began our “class” asking us to list all of the things we love about our daughter. She then instructed us to put our list in the sealed envelope with our child’s name on the front. After collecting all of the sealed envelopes, she smiled and explained that by the middle of the year...during good times, challenging times, distractions, and so on...she would open off of our envelopes to help her continue to KEEP the LOVE coming.  This might be a good strategy in our homes today.

Being You is an Excellent Teacher

I know that many things can never be taught from a book.  Back in my first career, I supervised a student who was mentoring an equine Veterinarian at The Ohio State University.  Dr. Steve Reed was an excellent teacher and would always find time for my students. He called late one afternoon to let me know he had little time to spend with my student.  He felt badly that he was on the phone most of the day with the owner of a priceless horse in California.

The next morning, my student was knocking on my door with so much excitement!  She shared that Dr. Reed was on the phone all day trying to diagnose and prescribe treatment for a very valuable horse.  She was so amazed when she learned the owner would send a private jet to pick up Dr. Reed to fly to California. But the best part of her story that I am sure she still remembers is why Dr. Reed would not leave Columbus until the next morning.  She heard him tell the owner that he must first go home and watch his 7th grade daughter run in a track meet. That very day my student learned about the importance of family.

YOUR Children are WATCHING YOU

I am facebook friends with many former students and real estate clients.  Just yesterday, a former student who is now a flight nurse was doubting her parenting role, as she is  literally saving lives every day in this crazy time. She is concerned that she is not spending enough time teaching her sons.  I commented:”You are modeling caring, bravery, helping hands, love, and following your passion to help others. I know your sons are watching.”  I am hoping that she is able to take the time to share stories with her sons that let them know she is on the frontline of this war against COVID-19 Pandemic.