LadyLatteLegend's Journal, 17 March 2020

That sound rough, I'm sorry😕 I think that all of us are probably having some sort of break down in our own ways...it is a crazy and sad time we are living in. I believe in you, stay strong❤️❤️ 

Thank you. I believe you’re right.  

These are tough times, but we'll all get through it together🙂 Stay safe Ladylattelegends❤️💛 

Times are tough but so are we. 💪🏻 Stay safe Linedrive. ❤️ 

We are all in this together. 💞💞💞 

There are so many resources available to you on the internet that didn’t exist “back in the day”. For your kiddo I would think it would be helpful to have “classes” at the same time every day just as the child would if he were in school. Try to cover the same subject matter that they had been working on. If you are afraid, imagine how they feel. Consistency will help them considerably. Don’t treat the “school time” lightly. The child needs to know that this is serious business, and that there are expectations that need to be met. When I was a kid I lived in Oregon where it rains and snows. My sister and I would come home from school everyday that we were unable to play outside and play school with our 4 year old brother. By the time he was ready for school he could already read, print and do simple math. Needless to say, that bit of advanced early childhood education played a tremendous role in how well he ultimately did in life. 

I’m sorry that you feel overwhelmed. It’s taking everyone time to get used to this new reality. I know you will find balance. Just breathe! I agree with Kenna that having classes at the same time each day would be helpful to you and your five year old. Schedules help to center us.  

Continuing on this same teaching and kids out of school theme—- do the same thing with your older kids. Instead of binging 30 year old sitcoms and playing video games all day set a family time where you watch something on TV that has an educational component. National Geographic, the Discovery Channel and for those with some of the things like Net Flix there is apparently thousands of worthwhile things to choose from. Then talk about the show. What did we learn, what did you think. Back in the day when National Geographic first came out, the schools actually gave extra credit to students who watched some of these programs and who participated in family discussions on the subject. Do you know why the schools stopped? Because the PARENTS didn’t want to waste their time watching educational programs. And, here we are. 

Sending ♥️♥️♥️🙏🙏🙏💜💚 I cry too. 

Everyone take care and check on people. I have found myself being less worried as I talk to others and try to encourage them to be calm, but educated and prepared. I used to be in the restaurant industry, so I send information to those friends regarding open opportunities for work as restaurants close. This makes me feel better and helpful. Concern for others has helped me maintain my sanity. This is terribly scary! 

Keep doing the best you can. I believe that if you are involved in this group, you have got to have strength in your soul!! At the very least, you will have a tremendous support group!! 

LadyLatteLegend this is a very rough time for us all my heart goes out to you. But pick your head up and remember you have a bright eyed kindergarten that is wholeheartedly depending on you. I’m sure that smile alone gives you joy😌. To push even harder you are strong than you know ❤️. I have a 17 month old glam baby 👶🏾 she melts my heart. God is in control 🙏🏾❤️ And We All will get through this ❤️ 

"Sneaking off to cry" - oh my.  

Ooh, I'm on a slightly different page. If you're stressed about schooling, don't do it! Play board games and keep score on paper. Read books together. Do a virtual tour of an aquarium. Make a recipe where you double it or half it and talk about the math and fractions and teaspoons and tablespoons. Sew or do beads for fine motor skills. Build a fort out of cardboard and color on it for gross motor skills. Skip. Hop. Learn how to play marbles or jacks or chess, with real pieces. Practice manners and patience laying out cards and cleaning up when you're done. Your child will learn more from a casual, calm, happy you than a stressed out one trying to be a 'teacher'. Moms are awesome. Teachers are awesome. Not everyone has to be both 😉 

As a veteran homeschooling mom, whose kiddos are all graduated, once you get into the swing of homeschooling you might never look back. It was hard for my guys at first when I pulled them out of public school. It took about 6 months to get them to settle down and get used to doing real school work, not just studying to pass a KAT's test. Once they got used to the program they blossomed and their grades reflected that. Both graduated with honors. I used a traditional Catholic homeschooling program where both tutors and myself graded work. My boys are now employed, have been since graduation and never had a problem with their workplaces accepting their diploma's. They chose not to go to college, though the one said he may want to go for a library science degree in the near future. Best of luck. And don't feel bad, I go for cry in the bathroom once in a while, usually caused by obnoxious bosses at work.  

Homeschooling is all about routine! Even for the little ones. Plan your day just like you would your meals. I switched to fat free half and half and it's made a difference. And it's ok to sneak off and cry if you need to! Don't be so hard on yourself. 

Thank you all so much for commenting! :-D <3 I definitely need to create a new routine. About to type one up right now. The good news is we are able to use the school programs online so she is loving schoolwork time. lol I also want to incorporate creative play too. I like the virtual tours I keep seeing on social media as well. Her sister is 3 almost 4 and today enjoyed watching and helping her big sister with her schoolwork. <3 House is nearly in order again so that will lessen the chaos. Such weird times. P.S. I'm from Oregon too Kenna. Still here in the Portland Metro area.  

try to just enjoy having your child home! let them hekp around the house do a little reading and writing- dont make it stressful for your baby or yourself ♡ hang in there, sending you strength  

Sending you virtual 🤗. Hang in there !