This has been a very hard time for many parents who now have to homeschool their children. Most feel inadequate to take on this task, but have no choice. Many are exhausted and feel like failures. They are afraid their children will fall behind and not get caught up.

For many parents, their day is one long battle of trying to get their children to understand and do the work. There is no peace or harmony in their homes, and they are worn out not only physically, but mentally and emotionally. As one frustrated Mom put it, she feels like she's trying to function in the unfunctionable.

There is no manual available on how to homeschool while living through a global pandemic of utter chaos. We are finally beginning to appreciate teachers like never before. They are also having a very hard time as they not only have to help school their students online but also fit in homeschooling their own children.

I read this on Facebook awhile ago, and I don't know who originally wrote it, but thought it was worth sharing as maybe it will help some parents to get through this time.

What if???

If they cancel the rest of the school year, students would miss 2.5 months of education. Many people are concerned about students falling behind because of this. Yes, they may fall behind when it comes to classroom education...

But what if…

What if instead of falling “behind”, this group of kids are ADVANCED because of this? Hear me out...

What if they have more empathy, they enjoy family connection, they can be more creative and entertain themselves, they love to read, they love to express themselves in writing.

What if they enjoy the simple things, like their own backyard and sitting near a window in the quiet?

What if they notice the birds and the dates, the different flowers emerge, and the calming renewal of a gentle rain shower?

What if this generation are the ones to learn to cook, organize their space, do their laundry, and keep a well run home?

What if they learn to stretch a dollar and to live with less?

What if they learn to plan shopping trips and meals at home?

What if they learn the value of eating together as a family and finding the good to share in the small delights of the everyday?

What if they are the ones to place great value on our teachers and educational professionals, librarians, public servants and the previously invisible essential support workers like truck drivers, grocers, cashiers, custodians, logistics, and health care workers and their supporting staff, just to name a few of the millions taking care of us right now while we are sheltered in place?

What if among these children, a great leader emerges who had the benefit of a slower pace and a simpler life to truly learn what really matters in this life?

What if they are AHEAD?

Hang in there parents. You are doing this and you and your children will come out the other side.

Hope Ministries is a Christian counseling center, and we are here to help. If you would like to speak confidentially with someone, give us a call at 482-5300.