I never thought I would end up having to homeschool my child. What’s funny is that I was seriously having a conversation with an educator friend of mine just a couple months ago. I was expressing to her my concerns with our public school system and my consideration in enrolling my girls into private schools.

Then this pandemic started and now my children are home from school until further notice. My initial reaction was stress, panic, worry; what will I do for childcare until further notice? My employment is considered frontline, which means I am still to report to work despite the risks it imposes.

Luckily, I was granted the permission to work from home. I was ecstatic because I was able to stay home with my children and not have to worry about alternative solutions for childcare. Except after the excitement wore off, it sunk in that although I will be home, I still have to work! And my work requires me to be on the phone with people providing customer service. Have you ever tried being on the phone with children in the background? It is not as pleasant or easy as it sounds. I had to find ways to distract these kids and keep them entertained so that they are not driving me crazy.

Amelia’s school emailed us a package filled with writing, reading and math activities, along with somewhat of a schedule showing how long each child should practice each subject. I also ran to the local library and got her some books she can read each night. I went to 5 Below, Dollar Tree and Staples to get activity books, index cards and coloring books. I also got ideas from different mom and educators on different website for kids to play that are educational.

Moreover, as I reflect on what is happening around me and my new responsibility to my children to now have to educate them, I can honestly say that I am unsure how I will manage to do everything. As of now, I have to work my 9-5, work on pending projects pertaining to my side hustle and now also educate my kids; read with them, practice math, reading and writing skills. It is overwhelming to think about. I feel prepared as I ran out and grabbed everything that I need. I wrote everything out, as far as a schedule so I can multitask and help Amelia with her work as I also try to do my own work. I have created a small schedule in efforts to stay organized and on track with everything.

Although it is an overwhelming challenge for me at this point, I feel blessed to have the opportunity to be spending more time at home with my children. I am happy to have the opportunity to work from home and not have to risk my health. I am happy that this challenge is teaching me self-discipline and I am happy that when this is all over, I will be able to say that I did it.

My Thoughts on Homeschooling my Child During this Pandemic