Doing the Best for Our Family

I was positive that my kids would be returning to the classroom this Fall.

Illinois has been careful in its reopening, and kept Covid-19 mostly controlled. A little over a week ago, our school district announced its reopening plan with two options: 100% remote learning, or a “hybrid” model of 2 days a week in school and the rest at home, with a rotation of kids for either Tuesday/Thursday classes or Wednesday/Friday classes based on their last name. Along with in-classroom instruction came a lengthy list of safety guidelines that would need to be followed. Continue reading “Doing the Best for Our Family” →

July 23, 2020

The Things I Do Now

2020-07-20 Pandemic Parenting — Photo by Ashim D’Silva on Unsplash

“Pandemic Parenting” has turned me into the kind of parent that I never wanted to be. I have always been responsive and decisive as a parent. I see a problem, I find the solution. I rarely second-guess. I rely on parenting experts, feedback from friends with older children, and my own instincts.

Covid-19 has upended all of that. Continue reading “The Things I Do Now” →

July 20, 2020

Ninety-One Days

2020-06-11 Into the Unknown — Photo by Alex Ivashenko on Unsplash

I remember reading reports out of Wuhan, back in February, when the citizens had been on lockdown for more than 72 days. When we passed the 40 day mark, I thought “Ok, breathe. More than halfway through what China went through.”

We are now on Day 91. Thirteen weeks. “Normalcy” isn’t a word I think about anymore. There is only Before and After. Continue reading “Ninety-One Days” →

June 11, 2020

Acceptance of the New Normal

Day 32 of our confinement to our home. The days have now turned into a predictable rhythm of remote learning assignments from the elementary school, juggling work and a toddler, endless dishes and laundry, and time in our backyard if the weather cooperates. We do telehealth appointments with doctors when needed, FaceTime with family, and Zoom meetings for church. I text constantly to stay connected, but it isn’t the same. I miss playdates, going to the museum or zoo, Starbucks, and dinners with my friends. Continue reading “Acceptance of the New Normal” →

April 14, 2020