We had just come off spring break the day I really felt concern about COVID-19. My house was full of sand, our bodies were covered in new tan lines, and I was wondering when the pile of towels created offspring.

We immediately began prepping (ordered more toilet paper, hello, so many bums to wipe!), and then feeling relief, I started pulling schoolbooks out of cupboards and wondering if my kids would remember what I had taught them in math two weeks earlier.

Then it was announced schools far from us were closing for two weeks. Shortly after that, our own local schools were already extending spring break that had just begun .

I can imagine the distress this may cause parents. Especially if this lasts longer than two weeks. So, in light of the worry and concern about your child’s education you may be having, I want to share 3 things I’ve learned in my years of homeschooling. 

  1. They’ll be just fine. Learning has so much more to do with real life than just tests and facts. Learning is everyday problem solving, recognizing your emotions, and being kind to one another.

    You are their first and most important teacher, so if there are things you have been wanting to work on with them, well, my goodness, what a great time!

    Maybe you don’t like how they speak to one another when they are frustrated. Talk to them about what you expect in your home and work on it as a family. Maybe you want them to have more responsibility in their life. Guide them.  Encourage them.  You got this.


  2.  Let them lead. Really. Let.them.lead. Obviously, playing online for 4 hours isn’t what I mean. I’m talking about giving them topics they might be interested in and then run with it.

    Have a 7 year old boy who is obsessed with dinosaurs right now? Watch youtube videos, make cookie dino eggs, if your libraries are still open request 10 books and watch as he devours them. You know what this teaches? LOVE OF LEARNING. It’s a thing, and it’s amazing.

    Have a preteen girl who shows interest in painting? Order some supplies online and let her dabble. There are millions of tutorials at different levels and styles.

    Have a senior interested in law? Reach out to a local lawyer (ask your local Facebook group) and set up a time for them to chat over the phone.

    Many people are most likely going a bit stir crazy and would love to talk about their passion. Open doors for them and you’ll be blown away.


  3. Enjoy this time. Really, deeply enjoy it. When is the next time you have to be shut in with your family and they can’t do anything about it. Enjoy doing things together.

    If you guys love playing board games then play all the games. Amazon has an endless selection. If movies are your thing, pop that popcorn.

    Talk, laugh, drive one another bonkers. But make the memories. Together.

We are in uncertain times right now, but the one constant for your child is you. Let go of the fear, hold them tight, and enjoy the beauty the world has to offer right now, in your very home. 

Just a day in the life of homeschooling.

Someone cooking, a couple of them painting, and of course the toddler picking her nose. 🙂