Last week, we had a school/work from home plan. It was official because I had printed it big and mounted it on poster board.
It should have worked. It didn’t work.
We struggled.
I simultaneously neglected the kids and work. On the upside, the guilt and confusion this caused overtook my anxiety. So, there was that.
The plan didn’t work because it was all about the kids. I hadn’t overlaid our respective work call schedules. I completely miscalculated our ability to oversee, manage, transition, start, finish, clean-up, logon, dial-in or the dozen other things they legitimately needed to do their part.
So, we needed a NEW plan.
Here’s the scoop. It’s a daily schedule- part fixed, part flexible. We’ll fill it out together as a family each night before. This approach shows everyone on the same page and gives the kids input on how they want to spend their free time (within limits.)
Rolling out this new, very simple approach yesterday wasn’t as straightforward as it should have been.
My part went great. First, I created the new file, neatly fitting everything onto one page. I printed it and colored in my call blocks with a marker from my personal collection.
Next, as Deputy as he was making his eggs, I very clearly explained the new sheet’s structure and process. He then sat down with his breakfast and messed the whole thing up.
I turned my back for one minute to refill my coffee while he filled in his call blocks all over mine.
As politely as possible, I explained he was doing it all wrong. He says, “Oh, I thought this was for the week. I thought that was Monday.” Seriously?! Even if he tuned out for our entire conversation, how’d he miss the 2nd column header in big font that read, “Dad.”
Sigh.
We could have made do but it was now messy. I wanted to start over.
“Do I have to do EVERYTHING?” may have been hissed as I went back to the office to print out a fresh sheet.
Not wanting to risk it, I just filled his in for him. Because I’ve learned that if I want things done my way and my way only, I do have to do everything.
Because I had to reprint it anyway, I ended up added rows for the ½ hour. Don’t think this is because we’re running some kind of precision operation over here. We are not. It’s because calls starting or ending at the :30 mark were a little confusing for the kids.
Anyway, we’re going to give it try. I’m optimistic. Or, I’m desperate? Delusional? It’s one of those. It’s hard to tell these days.
In other news, here’s a quick recap in pictures and bullets of week 1:
Sushi take-out from our favorite, local family business. Yay!
Chalk greetings around the neighborhood.
Taking funny selfies.
Baking. Oh my gosh, the baking. I’m thinking about restricting them to making only desserts I don’t like. This will be a challenge because it’s a short list of just licorice jellybeans and blueberry pie.
Our big outing was a sunrise visit to the Cherry Blossoms. Plenty of social distance at 6:30am! This was by far one of the most memorable things we’ve done so far. I now want to make this an annual tradition.
The dogs seem to have permanently moved into my office during the day- even using the shredder as a pillow. The constant activity and commotion were apparently disrupting their nap schedule.
Our first big homeschooling win. A real, viable bubble gum bubble.
The coolest, most colorful shortbread cookies. If you’re into consuming large amounts of artificial dye, this recipe from the Unicorn Food cookbook is for you!
A fire pit fire with s’mores.
And, of course, a lot of wrestling and laying around on the couch watching TV.
Did you do anything especially fun or memorable this week? How are you holding up?