Don’t take it one day at a time!
Take it one hour, one minute, one second at a time!
As a mom of 4, a wife, a business owner, and a non-profit program director. I have felt just like you are feeling and I have asked myself the same questions:
Why are they asking me for a snack for the 15th time?
Why can’t I use the bathroom in peace?
How am I going to get any work done with so many distractions?
Am I doing this right, are my kids learning anything?
This blog is for all of my fellow "#MOMducators", by self-definition(lol), this term means: you are a full-time educator working hard to make sure that learning is taking place for your students and your children at home. Also defined as, a mom that educates her students and children. Especially a teacher, principal, or mom involved in planning or directing education.
We are in a new normal right now and wearing multiple hats. Working full time while the children are away at school is completely different from working full time, cooking 3 meals a day, changing diapers every few hours, providing snacks, and completing online assignments. It is not an easy task to complete and many times throughout the day we can feel like we are not built for this but I am here to remind you that YOU ARE. In the words of Alicia Keys, you are superwoman!
Here is what I learned on my journey as a #MOMducator and these things have truly changed my life in a major way.
1. Plan your day but leave room for error!
When I first started teaching from home I created a schedule that mirrored a school schedule and I quickly realized that it was not a good fit for my family. So instead of a very tight schedule, I planned some must-do tasks that need to be complete daily. I plan to teach for at least 2 hours a day and if I get to teach in that timeframe awesome and if I don’t, no big deal I move those plans to the next day.
2. Make exceptional children top priority!
I have a daughter, named Nia, that is conquering cerebral palsy, so the last thing I want to feel guilty for is putting her needs last because I have a busy schedule. I know that she needs to wear her foot braces daily and knee extension braces at least twice a week. I am intentional about making sure that her needs are met and I want to encourage other #MOMducators out there that we are capable of doing what is best and required to take care of our exceptional children no matter what their diagnosis is.
3. Start your day with YOU on your mind.
I continuously remind myself that I cannot pour from an empty cup. Take care of yourself in the morning before everyone else in your home gets up and take time to meditate, pray, and center yourself. Each morning I start my day with a worship playlist and this has become one of my favorite songs!
4. You are not perfect.
Even if you know the curriculum and what your child should learn about doesn’t mean that every day will be sunshine and rainbows. Even if you plan out every meal and give everyone daily chores it does not mean that it will get done and that is okay. You do not have to do it all right, you do not have to have all the answers. Set reminders, build a village to support you, and delegate tasks to others so that you are not overwhelmed.
Let Philippians 4:13 be a reminder and motivator for all of my #MOMducator friends out there! (BTW I typed this entire with my 1-year-old in my lap because he's refusing to separate from me today)