Just when I thought I could relax a little and enjoy the summer with my kids, I find myself being accosted at the stores with back-to-school advertising and supplies. I attempt to shield my eyes from the glare, feel my way to the s’mores-making aisle, and pretend that I didn’t just see the animated pencil with a smile on its face. Yet, I did. An abrupt reminder that going back to school is just around the corner.
With COVID-19 infections on the rise again, I question the decision to open schools in September. However, I also fear the idea of going back to homeschooling our children while attempting to fulfill our own academic needs at the same time.
Before COVID-19, we had the luxury of compartmentalizing our day. Kids in one box, school in another box, and home life in another. After Camosun College closed its doors in March, we were all pushed into one box, with very little wiggle room. Memories of helping with school work and my tween’s unwillingness to cooperate while trying to do my own school work still haunt me.
Maybe this is the new way of doing things? Maybe this is our new normal? While I can accept homeschooling a child while being a student, I don’t have to like it. I know I am speaking from a place of privilege. I am lucky to be able to go to school, I know, but I miss the classroom. I miss my teachers. And, I’ll admit it, I miss the time away from my kids—parenting is a full-time job, after all, and we all need a little time for ourselves.
But I also do appreciate having more time with my kids. I do enjoy watching my son’s expression when he finally understands the math problem that has been causing him angst, and I do love creating new ways of learning.
So, for now, let’s enjoy what’s left of the summer. Let’s sharpen our pencils and our wits, brace ourselves for what may come: being a student, a parent, and a teacher. We’ve learned what works for us and our kids, and what doesn’t. We made it through before; we can do it again. Right?
While we’re at it, let’s try to ignore the back-to-school advertising we are being inundated with, the Halloween decorations creeping in, and the television stations airing Christmas movies in July. If you can hear me out there: please stop! We don’t need to think about Christmas shopping right now. We have enough on our plates.