Unapologetically Me

The last school year was rough and I’m being kind. So in an effort to start this distance learning experiment on the right foot, I found myself reminding my kids of things they already knew. Checking in on them to make sure they were on task. I was telling them to do A-Z when it was not required by their teachers, just what I thought they should do. I was double and triple-checking that they went to their virtual classes. I was doing the most and felt like I was in the 5th and 8th grade again. I don’t think I was a helicopter parent but...I was pretty damn close. In my effort to support and create an environment for them to flourish I crossed the ever so thin line that made my kiddos think they needed to perform and be perfect. And if you know me that can’t be further from the truth. I didn’t want to change their personalities or who they are becoming, I just wanted to help them develop good study habits and rhythms that would allow them to thrive. And no matter how much I said I don’t...

Summer didn’t feel much like a break and here we are back into what feels like will be another grind. Today is the first day of school for my kids, and like many parents, the weeks building up to this day have been filled with so many feelings running from excitement to dread. As I began to prepare for the school year, I found myself trying to figure out all of the things I need to do to make sure the kids succeed in school. I had returned to the rhythm of doing and producing I said I didn’t want to return to .  Yet I started checking things off my list: Watch all the videos the teachers send✅ Read all the emails from the principal, the superintendent, the lunch lady, PTA….✅ Download this year’s parent communication app...oh wait there are two ✅ Read the messages and sign-up for this and that...don’t forget that one as well ✅ Check to make sure they have all supplies for at-home learning ✅ Repeat that process for kid #2 ✅ Follow the school on FB, IG, and twitter (just in case they ...

Over the last few months I’ve talked with many of my friends as we’ve tried to figure out how to parent during the pandemic. It’s been good to hear one another’s stories and find comfort knowing we aren’t alone. I’ve also felt like we each have been holding our breath as we look towards the start of the school year. And just like that, it’s here.  I thought it might be a good idea to offer a weekly reflection during this school year. Each week I’ll share a snippet of what’s going on in my world, a word of encouragement, and some responsive activity to help us continue to care for our souls well as we parent and seek to thrive. If you’re interested in receiving this weekly reflection, please subscribe with your email address. (I’m pretty sure these reflections will be applicable to most people even if you don’t have little ones running around so you’re also welcome to DM me too!) Click here for this week’s reflection.