I wish I could say this past school year "flew by." Donato's last day of first grade was Friday. It was also MY last day of first grade. I had to sit next to him every single day during virtual school. It was the only way he could get his work done. There were many mornings I was ready to quit my job...or at least take a leave of absence. My anxiety was at an all time high. I felt like I was failing at EVERYTHING. My plate was too full. Thankfully, I wasn't alone. My husband Don was able to step in to give me a break.
During those brief breaks, I would go into my room and cry into my pillow. Or...I would lay on the bed and close my eyes and PRAY that we would all get through this. The three of us chose to stay isolated from our family and friends. We were not willing to take ANY risks of getting sick. Our lives were challenging enough without any illness. We weren't about to add even more stress to the mix.
I watched as Donato struggled to focus as he sat in front a of a computer screen for 5+ hours a day. He started having more and more emotional outbursts. Don and I changed our parenting style to help our him regulate his emotions. We eventually figured out a way to help him learn. It required teamwork. We were in constant communication with his teacher and school counselor. Educating our son from home was a full-time job...while we already had full-time jobs. Work-life balance was non-existent...but we managed to survive.
I know so many of you had to weather the same storm. I feel you. Some of you had ZERO support. Whatever the case may be...you made it. You got through a year of parenting in a pandemic. I learned just how strong my marriage is. I learned that I can tread water longer than I thought I could...especially when I'm drowning. I also learned that I have a 7-year old who is going to need extra emotional support from us as we re-enter the world. Here are some thoughts I shared on social media...in case you missed it.