After what felt like an eternity of remote learning, my kids have finally returned to school. They left for an extended break last March and just resumed in-person classes this past week. During those long months at home, I took on the role of a homeschool mom, juggling lessons at the kitchen counter, in the car, and even sneaking away to the bathroom for a moment of peace. I spent days baking snacks and trying to manage the emotional chaos of three kids experiencing a surge of hormones with nowhere to direct them.
Throughout this challenging period, I developed a newfound appreciation for teachers. I learned a couple of vital lessons as a parent navigating the world of homeschooling. The first, and perhaps most evident, was that common core math is far beyond my grasp. It’s a topic best left to professionals—or anyone who enjoys taking the scenic route to a solution. I realized that yelling at my tearful middle-schooler to “just get to the answer” was not my finest moment. My high schooler, meanwhile, thought it was even worse when I declared that solving trinomial equations was for “nerds and losers.”
To prevent my kids from plotting a rebellion against my math skills, I sought out a tutor who actually enjoys the subject and understands it well. This tutor is the real deal; his explanations sound almost magical, and remarkably, my kids seem to grasp the material and even enjoy it. I was so surprised to hear that I nearly choked on my evening drink and promptly scheduled more sessions.
Another lesson I took away from our time together is that I was given the precious opportunity to bond with my children in ways I hadn’t before. Without the distractions of sports, school, and social activities, I was able to fill their days with hugs, hikes, and countless games of backgammon. I strived to fill the emotional void usually occupied by teachers and friends, but as the months dragged on, even my efforts began to fall flat. Despite my attempts to compete with their adolescent humor and cravings for homemade treats, I could never match the consistent teaching and camaraderie they found at school.
As the time came for my children to return to their classrooms, I wore a smile, knowing they needed this change. Beyond their lack of a social life, they had missed the vital relationships formed with their teachers. Yet, I couldn’t help but feel a twinge of sadness at their departure.
While I may feel a bit envious that their teachers now have their undivided attention, I recognize that these educators deserve the admiration they receive. They can explain complex subjects one moment and remind students to stay fresh the next—truly the trifecta of teaching.
I hope to carry forward the lessons COVID taught me about education. Teachers, whether teaching in-person or online, are unsung heroes and the backbone of our communities. They need our support now more than ever.
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Summary:
My journey through homeschooling during the pandemic taught me valuable lessons about the challenges and joys of teaching my kids at home. I realized the importance of professional educators and the emotional connections formed in the classroom. While I endeavored to create a nurturing environment, I ultimately recognized the irreplaceable role teachers play in our children’s lives.
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