No One Ever Warned Me About Parenting During a Pandemic

I returned the boys’ Chromebooks and library books to school yesterday.  I’d be lying if I said I didn’t tear up. And I think they did too.

One of their friends was playing across the field. I haven’t seen them so excited to go wave to someone, ever.

What a way to end a school year.

My heart breaks, so much for all the kids. The teachers,  the parents. It’s just so sad.

I understand the guidelines the CDC has recommended are just that, recommended guidelines.

But the truth is, as an Illinois Resident and small business owner, I see first hand what “recommended guidelines ” mean.

Our bbq business has been impacted. Our lives have been deeply impacted, all by these recommended guidelines.

And I’m sorry, or maybe not really sorry at all, I don’t want the government dictating my children’s lives in the same manner.

Can they learn to cope wearing a mask during school?  Sure.

Can they follow arrows in the hallway? Of course.

Can they sit in the same classroom all day, no cafeteria and no recess? If they have to.

They can do all of the things, that’s not the question. But at what cost? Especially for those just starting Kindergarten who have never been to school before?

What does that do to them? How does that impact them forever? How will their lives be forever changed?

I’m not saying, through this entire pandemic there have ever been right or wrong answers. I’m so glad I’m not a leader in this situation. 

But what I know, is that if my children’s lives are impacted negatively,  and I can control that happening,  you better believe I’m going to do something about it. #MamaBear

And don’t get me wrong, I’m all for respecting authority (and laws). In fact, I think we need more of it in this country. But I think there comes a point where we need to think for ourselves, and not always trust what we’re being told.

I’m okay taking a stand for something I wholeheartedly believe in. It’s okay to think different than the masses. Isn’t that our right in this country?

Release Control

I just sat on our stairs, listening to the kids playing, thinking about what’s going on.

I have worry, stress and fear in every fiber of my body.

Family, friends, the economy,  small business, our very own personal businesses, work, home schooling, food shortages,  hospitals not being able to handle all the things…too many things to list.

There are so many things going on right now that I can’t control. That’s not how I roll. I’m a planner, a doer and controller.

Not now. Not today. 

Stress and worry are the devil.  Literally.

What I know is that God is awesome.  My faith is strong.  It’s what has always guided me and will be no different now.

Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.  ~Hebrews 11:1