Struggling with homeschooling... I'm not cut out for teaching!

[Quercus]

Hi everyone,

This mightn't make sense. My brain is overloaded and fried. But I need to try.

Like many people... I have been attempting to school from home to my kids (5 and 6 years old). It has been three weeks now and I'm losing my mind.

The constant emails from the school and all the online stuff they want parents to do are setting me off in a panic. Hubby had to go buy a computer and printer and show me how to use my phone to connect it to the net.

The constant emails and messages and calls from the school are my biggest stress. I can't turn the phone off or ignore it all because they are my kids and this is important. But I don't know how to deal with the constant communication. It isn't something I cope well with at all.

Today for example... Got home from my shift at work to an email saying workbook packages are ready for pick up for weeks 1 to 4 of term 2. It's not even school holidays here yet!

Another email outlining how we will have compulsory daily attendance conference calls and the kids need to be in uniform for it. Another email about school fee options. A message about how the teachers have recorded videos for the kids to watch.

On top of this are texts from family. Text from my friend (also a Mum) saying she's losing it and needs to talk. Missed call from another Mum who was worried because we missed yet another conference call (Miss 5s class telling News).

I'm hopelessly out of my depth.

The school work and time with my kids is fine. I was enjoying it too when we were just left alone. Being constantly on call is not ok for me.

I can't seem to wind down which means I'm not sleeping. Once the kids are asleep and hubby has gone to bed (he's still works every day lucky him) I sit in the dark with a cuppa until I can calm down enough to sleep. Usually about 2am.

Psychiatrist doubled my antidepressant and added a new medicine too. I feel like I'm living on nervous energy. I know I'll cope somehow because it's my responsibility to my kids. But they deserve better than a Mum who can't force herself to make a phonecall.

Please tell me I'm not the only parent feeling utterly overwhelmed?!

Nat

[White_Rose]

Dear Nat

It's lovely to hear from you again even though the circumstances are painful.

I think teachers do not realise the strain they are putting on parents. Teachers have one job to do, teach the children. It may involve doing working at night but it is only one job. You and other moms are trying to go to work (if you have jobs) and keep the house tidy, cook meals, take the children wherever they need to go etc. In fact you are multitasking. While we joke that women are more able to multitask the reality is that it very difficult, especially doing a job you have not trained for.

Two suggestions.

1. Get a few of your friends together and talk to the head teacher about these problems. I realise it will be yet another task but maybe will help the the teaching staff to realise how you are all being affected.
2. The other idea is to ask the school to send only one email a day. Everything you need to know must be on that email. If something has been omitted then it must wait for the next day. Times for completing any tasks must be reasonable given the circumstances of parents engaging in teaching. Teachers spend years training to do what you are expected to at a moments notice.
3. Actually there are three suggestions. If the school wants to see the students at a particular time to make sure they are 'in class' that's OK but no other conference calls that day. Teachers do not have to constantly talk to the head teacher and I think parents will be happier to have one roll call. The school can always have a dedicated phone number for when you are running into difficulties.

Overall I think the school needs to look at what is important and keep 'nagging' under control. I also wonder if everyone at school knows who is emailing you. Do you feel everyone simply contacts parents without talking with anyone else?

I hope these suggestions help. Do you need to go to work is my other query. It would make life easier if you were not working but I know this is an entirely different situation.

I am staying at home because my age and medical condition puts me in the at risk category. At first I welcomed the opportunity to be on my own and not constantly going to various activities. Then I started to feel alone. Now I believe I have a good balance of catching up on my 'gonna does' and getting the rest it seems I need. Shopping at 7:00am with the other oldies has been interesting but also exhausting. I am looking into shopping on line.

Please look after yourself as much as you can.

Mary

[Quercus]

Hi Mary,

Thank you. I've missed you. Seeing your name on the screen made me feel able to breathe for the first time today. It helps that I sent the ferals outside to harrass the dogs and chickens and not me for a minute.

Your suggestions are exactly what I needed. It is a huge relief hearing I'm not being unreasonable.

I tell myself at least I'm busy and don't have time to worry about this virus. Others seem to be struggling with boredom and that is the least of my worries so I'm lucky in that way. Zero alone time is what is driving me up the wall.

I like that you've found a balance that works for you. Perhaps that is what I need to consider... What works for me. I know the teachers are busting their butts for our kids so I feel like I have to follow the program. But there is no point if it means I end up shutting down emotionally again.

I hope you keep safe and healthy dear Mary.

❤ Nat

[White_Rose]

Dear Nat

Thank you for your warm words. I hope you do not mind that I talked about your situation to my daughter. She has two children at school (high school) and may be looking at them having online learning. My other daughter has a primary school aged daughter. Daughter with primary school student had an email asking her to pick up the prepared packet of learning aids and program. She can contact the school when necessary but is not hassled by innumerable emails. Other daughter's situation is different as her children are in high school but she has clear instructions etc about the possibility of online learning.

Daughter's comment was that your school has flown into a panic and is nervous about parents not having sufficient information or support. Of course the reverse is the correct situation. You need a packet containing the the school program and a contact number when/if in difficulties. Hopefully your children are now on holiday and you can have a bit of a rest. Decent sleep is the minimum for managing all your tasks.

The other comment my daughter made was that it was not a major setback if your children do not learn and absorb all the information the school sends out. They are in years 1 & 2 and missing a bit of schooling is not the end of the world. Getting them to read to you and being comfortable reading is the most important. It has a huge effect on every other subject they do. Collect a couple of friends and see the head teacher. Remember to print your first post here and take it with you. No need to show it to the teacher. Not their business but may help you to cover all the topics.

I am feeling much less tired and more able to post on the forums. Not as exhausted as I was a few weeks ago. Must be the new treatment regime.

Look after yourself. You are far too precious and worthwhile to fall apart.

Mary

[blondguy]

Hi Nat!

Please forgive me if I have misread your first post.....

Does the school really expect your kids to be in uniform during a conference call?

You are too strong a person to be 'out of your league' Nat

with respect

Paul