Hello, fellow adventurers! Just kidding—nobody’s adventuring anywhere. Except for my high school friend, Sarah, who keeps sharing beach selfies from Cancun. Seriously, Sarah? Meanwhile, we’re all navigating the thrilling ride that is distance learning.
So, buckle up and prepare for chaos. By that, I mean you’ll be pacing around your home, losing your mind, and maybe lighting a candle for your favorite health expert.
I’ve been working from home for over a decade, during which I intentionally brought two kids into this world. I’ve never had more than three days of childcare a week because I bought into the myth that women can truly have it all. I’d love to lean into Sheryl Sandberg’s philosophies, but here we are.
These days, childcare is virtually nonexistent, and guess what? I still have two kids to manage. My partner is an essential worker, which means I’m flying solo on this wild ride. Just to clarify: yes, I recognize my privilege in this situation, so if you think this is just middle-class complaining, you’re not wrong.
As a self-proclaimed expert in juggling remote work while little ones wreak havoc, here are some key things to consider:
- Transparency.
You might not have realized it while your child was in a physical school, but they share everything with their teacher. “Ms. Thompson, Mom said something about ‘duck math’ and I’m confused about that, plus she wears those funny pants.” (Seriously, teachers deserve a raise!) - Work Calls.
Stop hiding in your bathroom; it’s a rookie move. Entering the bathroom signals to your kids that you want them to follow you with questions. Instead, choose a better spot and, if you’re on a Zoom call, pretend your video is down. Just say something about your connection. But beware: the moment you unmute to discuss work, your child will inevitably yell, “LOOK WHAT I FOUND IN MY NOSE!” (True story.) - Siblings.
If you’re lucky enough to have more than one kid, brace yourself. One child learning from home is manageable; two feels like managing an entire classroom. Three or more? You may have to choose a favorite and let the others fend for themselves. - Timelines.
Jennifer, the overzealous class mom, sent out yet another email reminding everyone to be on time for video classes. Set alarms for five minutes before each session, so when you snooze it and realize you missed it, you can blame your child for their poor time management. They really need to learn, right? - Job Perception.
If you identify as male or somewhere along that spectrum, good for you. People find it charming when little Timmy interrupts a meeting. If you’re female? You’ll be viewed as a scattered mess, but at least you can multitask: failing at work while also attempting to parent.
Good luck and hang in there! If you want to explore more about home insemination, check out this post for additional insights.
Summary
As we navigate the trials of distance learning, the challenges of managing work and parenting simultaneously become clear. From the chaos of sibling dynamics to the unique pressures faced by working parents, the struggles are real. Embracing transparency and setting up schedules can help in this chaotic environment.
Keyphrase: distance learning challenges
Tags: home insemination kit, home insemination syringe, self insemination