Those of us who were homeschooling in the 2019-20 school year were going along as usual, when COVID-19 came upon us in March. Unlike those whose children were in school, we continued as we were, teaching our children. On that level, the pandemic didn’t affect us as much as non-homeschoolers.
But even for us things changed suddenly, such as no more homeschool co-ops, sports activities, ballet lessons, play dates, church. The government-ordered shutdown affected some more, some less, depending on how much each family had been doing outside the home.
I didn’t realize the extent of how the lack of interaction with others affected many of my children. But it did. It was a slow slip into a sort of depression that was halted by a crisis—but that’s our story. We’re on a better track now.
Each family has their own view of how dangerous the threat of COVID-19 is or isn’t, and that view will obviously affect your decisions of how to live in these times.
I encourage you to be aware of each family member’s mental health at this time. By mental health, I am referring to mental, emotional, and spiritual health—basically anything that isn’t physical. This includes your own mental health—how are you doing?
One way to engage children in conversation is to ask each family member around the dinner table to tell one good thing and one bad thing about their day. If they want to tell about more than one, by all means—asking them to name one is just to get them thinking and sharing. Follow up on the “bad” or “sad” things. Have your antenna up and ask God to show you what’s going on in your children’s lives. Maybe they’re thriving – great! But you want to be aware if they are not, and to ask God how you can help in those areas.
The government’s regulations have resulted in a lot more family time, which has been a blessing to many. But that doesn’t mean that we or our children are A-okay.
Besides the regular academic things and the daily chores, make sure you do fun things every day—and get outside—it’s good for you all!
For those who are just embarking on the homeschooling journey, while you want some structure and discipline, don’t be a slave driver to your kids—relax and have fun! They will learn a lot more that way. And so will you!
