Dear Mamas (Suddenly) at Home with Your Kiddos…
I started feeling a little panicky when I read that here in WA state, all gatherings of 50 or more are prohibited for at least the next two weeks. Firstly, of course, we are concerned for the elderly and others who may suffer due to this virus. But there are personal implications for all of us as well. If you’re a mama reading this, your kids have been sent home from school. Maybe you’ve also been called off work.
Though I am a homeschooling mama, I’m also an extrovert, so the 50-person ban felt like a prison sentence. My heart broke for my kids, who also love to gather with friends at church, at homeschool co-op classes, at their PE classes…
And then I remembered that this busy, social-butterfly lifestyle has not always been possible for us. I remembered that we lived in rural Nebraska for two years. The more-cows-than-people (literally) kind of Nebraska, in an area that was affectionately called “The armpit of the Midwest.” (Truly, that was an affectionate term. Moving there was challenging – but looking back, my family loved those two years.)
Five years ago, I stood in our war-era Nebraska house crying because I’d just realized there were NO dance classes anywhere in the town for my girls to take. I remember crying when church was cancelled on MOTHER’S DAY because of a blizzard. I remember crying when the weather was good – and still, the only sources of entertainment were the park and the grocery store. (Apparently, perceived isolation can lead to crying for the extrovert among us.)
But I also remember the peace that came in those moments when we realized – all we have is each other, and that’s ok. I remember the strength that came when we decided to make one more stuck-at-home day a fun day. I remember the beauty of snuggling on the couch, reading together; of sledding down the hill behind our house together.
In short, I remember the beauty of a simple life.
But it is not always easy to get there, especially if we are used to having a long to-do list and a long litany of places to go. So I’ve compiled some ideas to help you mamas who find yourselves (suddenly) at home with your kiddos all day, every day.
They are 6 R’s, because the Lord knows I can’t remember anything unless it’s an acrostic, an allegory, or an alliteration (see?)
- Read. Start your morning by giving it to Jesus. I like to read to my kiddos during breakfast, because I find they listen a little better if their mouths are full. Of course, someone will drop their fork on the floor, another child will sit in the jam, and another will fall off his chair, all while I’m trying to read one Psalm. (This feels like a good time to read the Psalms, doesn’t it?) If your family is human (like mine), then devotionals with kids are likely to be messy, short and imperfect, and that’s ok. The thing is to not give up
- Rest. If you’re attempting schooling at home for the first time, this is especially important. I’ve found that when mama needs a break, it’s more than likely that my kids do, too.
- Reflect. Keeping a gratitude journal is a great way to take our eyes off our troubles and reflect on our blessings. Right now, this is something I am doing on my own, and modeling for my children. I also ask my children to verbally list a few things they’re thankful for at the end of the day.
- Recreation – in other words, get outside This is a great time to plant a garden!
- Reach out. This is specifically for you, mamas. Let’s none of us struggle in silence. Let’s agree together to phone a friend on those tough days (K?)
- Read Aloud together (yes, read again!) Stories do more than transport us. They give us strength for what lies ahead. Because there is no new calamity we could go through that hasn’t already been thought up (and overcome) in a story. For tales of brave children, try the Narnia books or Caddie Woodlawn. For families that stick together, try The Penderwicks or Heidi. For a dose of humor, try Pippi Longstocking or the Ramona books. For sweet friendship, try Winnie the Pooh or Charlotte’s Web. For a dose of adventure, try Dr. Dolittle or Roald Dahl’s books. And for some real perspective, try the Little House books.
There are lots of other resources (whoop! Another R) for new and old homeschooling mamas out there. But today I just want to encourage us all (myself included) that we have what it takes to love our families well in this weird and different season.
“His divine power has given us everything required for life and godliness…” (2 Peter 1:3).
You got this, mamas.
Keep clinging to Him,
Laura