My children have finally returned to school after what felt like the longest spring break in history. After leaving their classrooms last March, they resumed in-person learning just last week. During those eight long months at home, I found myself becoming a homeschooling mom—juggling lessons at the kitchen counter, in the car, and yes, even while trying to escape to the bathroom for a moment of peace. I spent 243 days whipping up muffins and stocking the pantry with snacks, all while navigating the emotional whirlwind that comes with having three kids cooped up together.
Throughout this experience, I gained a newfound appreciation for teachers, learning two crucial truths as a pandemic parent of school-aged kids. The first, which should be obvious to most, is that common core math is far beyond my capabilities. It’s a subject best left to professionals—or at least to someone who enjoys taking the scenic route. My attempts to hasten my tearful middle schooler along with frantic shouts of “just get to the answer already” were definitely not my proudest moments. My high schooler, meanwhile, raised the bar when I jokingly told him that solving trinomial equations was for nerds.
To prevent any potential mutiny from my kids after my multiple math blunders, I enlisted the help of a real math teacher. He’s fantastic, explaining complex concepts that sound like magic, and my kids are actually starting to enjoy math. I nearly choked on my evening cocktail when I heard that, and immediately scheduled another tutoring session.
The second lesson I learned during those long pandemic days was the bittersweet gift of having uninterrupted time with my children. With sports, school events, and social activities on hold, I was able to immerse myself in their daily lives through hugs, hikes, and countless games of backgammon. I worked hard to fill the emotional void left by their teachers and friends. But after nearly a year, even my best efforts could not compete with the allure of a structured teaching environment and the excitement that comes from being around peers.
Suddenly, I felt like an unwanted guest in my own home. This phase of what I fondly dubbed “Mom’s failed homeschooling experiment” was coming to an end.
When the moment finally arrived for my kids to head back to in-person school, I forced a smile because I knew they desperately needed this change. They had been deprived of vital social interactions and the essential relationships that develop between teachers and students. Still, I felt a twinge of sadness at losing them to the classroom.
While I might feel a bit embarrassed that teachers have captured my kids’ undivided attention and respect, I wholeheartedly believe they deserve it. Teachers have this incredible ability to explain quantum physics one minute and remind kids to wear deodorant the next—truly the triple crown of teaching.
I hope to carry forward some of the lessons COVID has taught me about education. Teachers, whether in-person or online, are the unsung heroes and foundation of our communities. They need our support now more than ever. For more insights on homeschooling and parenting, you can check out this other post.
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Summary:
Despite holding a teaching degree, my experience with homeschooling my kids during the pandemic was far from successful. I struggled with subjects like common core math and ultimately found a professional to help. While I cherished the time spent with my children, it became clear that I couldn’t compete with the structure and social interaction provided by their teachers. As they return to school, I recognize the immense value of educators and the crucial role they play in our children’s lives.
Keyphrase: homeschooling struggles
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