An Open Letter : Parents Struggling with Virtual Learning

 

Dear Parents with Virtual Students,

Yes, I am talking to you. I see you.

 
I see the way you struggle to juggle work, a household and daily responsibilities, having infants/ toddlers in the home, sorting through the 5000 daily emails from Teachers and Admins... while trying to keep up with the multiple logins for apps, emails, the different codes for Google Meets - the different platforms and links that will sometimes work, but then sometimes not. 

I see you are overwhelmed, stressed and feeling inadequate. I know you have that feeling that you should be doing more. I see you struggling with feeling as though your children are missing out while also worrying that they will be falling behind in their education. I see you running back and forth every couple of minutes, all day long,  between your kids - while trying to cover new materials, check in on progress, help with school work and technology difficulties. I see you trying to find ways to help your children connect with their classmates. 

I see you running around like a chicken with their head cut off trying to pick up the messes from your little ones in between all the school chaos. I see the meltdowns from younger siblings not understanding why their older siblings can't play with them. 

 I see the parents who have been humbled by this experience - gaining a new perspective and appreciation for their children's teachers. Teaching is definitely not for the faint of heart. I always message my friend and family who are teachers and tell them, I don't know how they do it. I have 4 children of my own, and struggle. I don't know how they do it with 20-30 children.
I see your frustration when technology isn't working properly. I see the struggle of wondering if you should upgrade your internet to handle the bandwidth that you need to school multiple children online. I see you rushing back and forth between your children, trying to help with what they need while also trying to give them the space to learn and to grow independently. I see the confusion in your face when your children can't remember what assignments they were supposed to be doing. I understand your frustration when you think that your children have completed their assignments only to log in and see there are still 20 assignments due for the week. I see as you try to encourage your children to focus to get them done, all while still trying to get things done that you need to.

I see you, trying to help your child with a short attention span learn to focus. I know it can be frustrating, when they are easily distracted.  I see you... The Parents who are watching as this process breaks down your child mentally to the point of tears. You can see them stressing and overwhelmed... You grab them in your arms and hug them, while also crying because you know all too well that stress that they are feeling.

I see the parents who are working but are still trying to be there for their children. You're hard work and concern don't go unnoticed. It may not feel like it, but I promise your kiddos are so grateful for all that you do for them... To keep a roof over their heads, food in their bellies and the comfort of a happy home.

At the end of the day, when the kids are fed, bathed, and in bed - I also see the parents who are exhausted. The ones who are suffering from migraines. The ones who don't have time to themselves to decompress. The Parents who love their children so much - but also know that they need their own time and space.  I see the late hours that you put in when the house is all quiet, so that you can get done what you have needed to get done all day but weren't able to. 
I just want you to remember, you are not alone... If you need someone to talk to, vent to, cry to... I am here. I hear you. I see you. I am here to validate you and your feelings. 
You don't have to carry the weight of the world and it's chaos on your shoulders. It's okay to feel overwhelmed, it's okay to feel all the feelings that you are feeling. This is the new normal for us, right now. You can't shoulder the full responsibility. Have faith in your teachers, they know what they are doing.

It's impossible to be everything to everybody all of the time. So please, take it easy on yourself. If you or your child is struggling - take that break. You can always message your child's teacher and let them know what is going on. 

We are all in this craziness together.  Don't panic. Encourage yourself and your children to do the best that they can at that moment. There will be things that are not in your control. Let them go. Don't stress it. You are doing the best that you know how - with the cards that you have been given. You are doing great. And if you need a "reset" take it. You both will become more resilient in the long run. Know your limits. Listen to your body. Take a deep breath and know that I am right here, cheering you on! You got this! And if you are having a hard day, I am only a DM away.