As we all know, the past year has brought unexpected challenges. Like many parents, I was flooded with a mix of emotions when I realized that my kids would not be returning to school in the traditional sense. Anxiety, relief, and a sense of urgency consumed me, prompting me to prepare our home with essentials like flour, colorful sprinkles, and snacks. My spouse and I felt fortunate to have our jobs during such a tumultuous time.
As the school year commenced, we faced the daunting task of figuring out online classrooms and managing remote lessons for my children while also transforming our dining room into a makeshift gym and classroom. I found myself stepping into the role of teacher, often avoiding subjects like 9th-grade Algebra, just as I had back in my own school days. By the time I got my son logged into his first-period class, I was already juggling my twin daughters’ kindergarten activities, and it was only 9 AM. Then, I would transition into my role as the director of programs for a heart health nonprofit.
We opted for a hybrid schooling approach: two days of in-person classes (Monday and Tuesday) and three days of remote learning with me. I never anticipated the whirlwind of responsibilities that would come with this arrangement—multitasking, shifting meetings, and trying to keep up with everything while managing household chores. Then my son surprised me by asking when he could get a job and drive our car. That was when I realized it was time to take charge of my kids’ education and teach them skills that extended beyond the typical school curriculum.
During lockdown, I took up baking. It was an activity I had always admired but never attempted. Faced with concerns over food additives and the responsibility of being the “cafeteria lady,” I began baking bread, following recipes from notable chefs. My children loved the end result and soon expressed interest in joining me in the kitchen. Cooking became a joyful experience, allowing my daughters, who are 5, to measure ingredients and eagerly await the baking process. They were learning lessons that their school curriculum didn’t cover.
There were moments when I needed a break, like when I took a “time-out” to recharge. I yelled from upstairs that I needed a moment alone, which opened up a conversation about emotions and how it’s okay to admit when we’re not okay. This is a lesson they couldn’t learn in school but one that is essential for emotional growth.
According to the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL), adults can support children’s social and emotional development during challenging times by establishing consistent routines, listening, and fostering a sense of community. As my children spent more time at home, they took on additional responsibilities around the house, learning valuable life skills through chores—lessons that were often met with groans but ultimately essential for their growth.
My teenage son, for example, has been learning the importance of cleanliness and maintaining a home. He engaged in yard work during the off-school period and even opened a bank account to learn about saving money. These practical lessons are teaching him the value of responsibility, and we’ve incorporated activities like writing in cursive, which is no longer taught in traditional schooling.
As summer approached, we began planting a garden, which taught my kids about patience and resilience. I discovered that sometimes it’s better to hire help rather than involve everyone in tedious tasks. However, I’m already brainstorming new activities for them to learn outside of their school environment.
One of the most rewarding aspects of this time at home has been watching my kids interact with the world around them. They’ve made friends with our elderly neighbor and engaged in imaginative outdoor play. Although life may never return to what we once knew, the invaluable lessons we’re imparting—like how to set a table, deal with plumbing issues, or manage a budget—will stay with them for a lifetime.
For more insights on parenting and learning during these unusual times, check out our other blog post here. Also, if you’re interested in essential resources for pregnancy and home insemination, Make A Mom provides authoritative guidance. For anyone considering fertility options, Johns Hopkins Medicine is an excellent resource for assistance.
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In summary, while the world may be navigating through unprecedented times, the lessons my children are learning at home—about responsibility, creativity, and emotional awareness—are shaping them in ways that traditional schooling alone could not. These experiences will undoubtedly last a lifetime.
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