This is not one of my photographs, I have taken from last weeks school newsletter. It’s the Little Man when he was at school and it has made me realise just how much we are missing school.
Really Missing School
It’s been a tough few weeks and I’ve come to the conclusion that our main problem is that we are missing school. This has come to a real shock for me. I’m one of those Mum’s who countdown to school holidays, love having my kids around all day and I am very hands on with their home learning. But, it’s not all about me and my kids are unhappy, and when my kids are unhappy, I am too.
The girls have not been to school properly for nearly a year now. We tried when they went back in September but it didn’t work out. They couldn’t cope with all the new rules and felt unsafe. The school compromised with a safe place for them to go for an hour and half each day. They didn’t learn much and I complimented their education at home with Ed Place. It wasn’t great though, they missed their friends and school interactions. The Summer holidays arrived and lock down relaxed, but they were still too anxious to go out. We did have a friend around on each of the kid’s birthdays. That’s all the interaction they have had in real life.
Computers
All three children now spend most of the day on their computers. Once, computer time would be limited but now they actually get their lessons onlines. They attend classes on Team meetings and then write and submit their work online. Once they are finished they play with their friends…again through their computer screens. I don’t want to deny them this interaction even though I feel they have had enough time glued to their screens.
I try to break it up with other activities like baking, family games and even helping with the housework. It’s so difficult to keep them off their computers though.
Home School
I love having my children home and I love teaching them. I can help with practically everything they are learning (yes, even algebra.) My weak subjects are geography and physics but I’m willing to learn with them. I’ve told them this but they don’t want my help. Even when they get stuck, asking Mum just isn’t a welcome option. The Little Man is better, he will let me help him. I found out last week that even though he was attending school all day online, he was not submitting his work. So we knuckled down and got that done.
As much as I love having my kids home, and I would rather have them here and safe, it’s started to get to me not having a moment to myself. Having teenage girls, they don’t go to bed until I do, and they are here all day. Even if they spend a few hours in their bedroom in the evening, I still have to make sure they are behaving, showering, eating, going to bed at the right time. I would like a break sometime. I do miss that peace and quiet I had after the manic rush to get them off to school. I do miss not having to worry about lunch, just grabbing something when I could. Now I have an hour to make sure everyone is fed and ready for the next lessons to begin.
And as much as the girl’s complained about school, I know they are missing it now, it’s been way too long. And it looks like Star won’t be going back at all.
It’s a different story for The Little Man. He went back in September. His school was brilliant and they did really well at keeping the virus at bay. He loves school, and they spent a lot of time outdoors (As his photo above shows.) He misses his friends and teachers and even though he loves his computer he has become so bored of it.
So, that’s my confession for this week. We are really missing school!
I never thought I would hear my youngest say she was missing school but has said it a few times over the last couple of weeks.
It is tough now trying to limit screen time when they’re on it for school work and talking to their friends.
My youngest has a habit of doing her work and forgetting to submit it too. Oops. x
Kim Carberry recently posted…Brightening up a rainy day, #MySundayPhoto
It’s all such a shame 🙁 We just have to keep hoping that things will get back to some kind of normal soon. My son has not been in school for almost a year now either and he is finishing this summer! How he will do his bagrut (equivalents of A levels), I don’t know! #MMBC
I worry that normal is going to look very different, but we have to hope that things will get better. Good luck to your son.
Oh gosh it’s such a tough time for teenagers – I think they really have it hard. So hope they will be able to return to school soon x #MMBC
The teens are mostly worrying about falling behind with work, but the Little Man misses his friends and social interaction more.
I can understand how all of you are missing school. From the parent perspective, you don’t have a break from getting up to going to bed. #MMBC
That’s it, if I do take a break it’s while the children are on even more screens which makes me feel guilty. If I was healthier I’d have them out for a walk each day at least. Maybe when the weather improves a little and I can get out in my wheelchair.
I think everybody is missing school – it gives life more of a routine and gets children out of the house. It’s very easy not to even go outside some days! The screen time is really starting to worry me too but it’s the only way they can really socialise at the moment.
#MMBC
Catherine recently posted…King Of The Swamp by Catherine Emmett & Ben Mantle
My Children will not go out which is part of the problem, at least in the summer they could play in the garden but even the snow was not enough to entice the girls out.
I can’t even imagine how tough it would be to be the parent of school-aged children these days. I don’t understand how home school parents do it. My kids would definitely have missed the personal interactions with teachers and other students. Here’s hoping that the vaccine allows your children to go back to school before too long!
Laurie recently posted…Participating In Creation, One Great Loaf At A Time
I love home schooling, it’s just a shame that my children don’t enjoy it so much. They can’t wait to get back to school, it’s their normal.
So sorry to hear that you are all missing school! It must be very strange for the girls not to have been to school properly for so long.
I know my kids want to go back. They miss the social and extracurricular side, but they are coping very well with being at home. They do lots of exercise between lessons and are always going for walks and runs, as well as exercising at home.
Even though they’re good kids and very independent, I must admit I do sometimes miss my peace and space too.
Sarah MumofThree World recently posted…Henry and Herbert – reunited!
My children are also really missing school but we are doing our best to keep them happy, healthy, entertained and educated. It ain’t easy but I’m sure you are doing well! Thanks for sharing and for linking up with #MySundaySnapshot.