Dear America,
It’s 6 a.m., and I’ve already wrestled with yet another 37-page lesson plan from our school’s third educational app in the past six weeks. So let’s get straight to it: please, just go home. I’m pleading with you on behalf of every parent trying to homeschool their kids right now. We simply can’t do this again come fall.
I understand, Susan. You want the country to reopen. Believe me, I’m feeling the same way! I haven’t stepped outside in six weeks; my social circle has shrunk to my houseplants, and my bathroom has become my sanctuary for muffled screams. Every parent I know feels the same way—we’re all desperate to escape our homes. But what I want even more than that is to not be stuck homeschooling these kids in October.
I’m not a teacher. The last time I checked, I had to Google how to explain long division. I can barely pronounce “hexagon.” I’m just hoping that by then, my kids will still remember how to read. This struggle isn’t unique to me; parents everywhere are floundering. We need schools to reopen in the fall, and the only way that can happen is if we all STAY HOME NOW.
What’s that, Tom? You want to get back to work? Trust me, I get it! I just had a conference call from the depths of my closet, discussing contract details while my daughter yelled from the bathroom that she needed help. And you know who else wants to return to work, Tom? My kid’s third-grade teacher, who is currently juggling lesson plans for 22 students while managing her own kids. This isn’t in her job description, nor should she have to risk her life for it. Teachers deserve better pay for handling our kids on a normal day, let alone in the midst of a pandemic.
And yes, I know you think this is all a big overreaction, Karen. You believe the virus is being exaggerated to keep you from getting your hair done. I get it—my hair is a mess too! But to be totally honest, Karen? I don’t care. I couldn’t care less about any conspiracy theories regarding my right to get my roots fixed. The fact remains: this virus is real, it’s dangerous, and it’s keeping me trapped at home with kids who want to listen to the same playlist for the umpteenth time. I can’t handle six more months of that, Karen.
Let’s entertain this: we open up all the restaurants, stores, and beaches, and it seems fine for a week. Then Larry over there starts coughing. He gets a fever and winds up in the hospital. And guess what? We all celebrated together, so now we’re all at risk. Which means: another shutdown. And you know what that means for me, Larry? My kids are back home for months while I try to teach them from a lesson plan that’s beyond my grasp—all while juggling my job and my sanity.
Alright, I need to run. My daughter has a Zoom call with her entire kindergarten class in five minutes, and I think she’s hiding in the pantry.
Look, I know this message won’t sit well with everyone. You might want to call me names, but if it helps, my kids have come up with far worse in the last few weeks. So take a breath. If that doesn’t work, find a quiet spot and scream into a towel. It really helps, trust me. We all want the same thing: open beaches, lively restaurants, and packed schools where our kids can be entertained for seven hours a day. We can get there! All you have to do is STAY HOME.
Best,
A Tired Mom
In summary
The letter emphasizes the struggles of parents trying to balance work and homeschooling during the pandemic. It calls for everyone to stay home to ensure that schools can safely reopen in the fall, highlighting the importance of protecting teachers and the community at large.
Keyphrase
homeschooling struggles during pandemic