Parenting is tough at the best of times, but add a pandemic to the mix and life gets even more challenging. Moms and dads throughout the world are not just feeling the struggles of quarantines, curfews and self-isolation; they’re also having to cope with uncertainty, financial pressure and keeping their kids entertained and educated.
The problem with all these issues is that parents are doubting their own skills, while trying to keep up with others who seem to be thriving — of course, a few will be, but for most it will just be an appearance of success.
Thankfully there are some people out there who recognize the current difficulties for exhausted and harangued moms and dads and can lend some support.
This was the case with a British head teacher, Sarah White, who reached out to parents to inspire them and let them know what really matters after she spoke with a mom at the school. The conversation highlighted to White, who’s been teaching at Coates Lane primary school for 8 years, the sheer struggles some parents have felt from having to suddenly become an educator overnight.
As a mom of two herself, White can really appreciate what a challenge life is at the moment. She also recognizes that many parents will feel like failures, as life at home isn’t quite as desirable as they might like. Screens have become babysitters, food preparation is not quite up to the usual Michelin-star standard, and healthy sleeping patterns aren’t always achieved.
Yet, in her letter White explains the one and only thing our children need right now — love.
With parents taking on the role as primary carer, educator, chef and entertainer — all while keeping down a job from a home office that might be lacking in privacy and appropriate equipment — something has got to give. As long as it is not the love, then everything will end up all right.
The letter, which is below, feels as precious as a sick note from a doctor. It’s permission from someone who has made education her life to go easy on ourselves, and on our kids. At the end of the day, we’re all just trying to get through this period in one piece and to make sure our kids do, too.
Unsurprisingly, the letter has been appreciated by parents across the country, something the headteacher had not expected. While explaining to the Daily Mail that she works at a small primary school in the north of England, White has been humbled by the positive response to her letter. “This isn’t just my job, this is my life. I’ve been here 14 years. If they’re [the children] at home or at school we’re here for them. It doesn’t end at 3 p.m. It’s not a job, it’s a vocation,” she shared.
Teachers have indeed been a pillar of strength for many families over the past year in particular. If you’d like to see some inspirational quotes concerning these wonderful educators, check out this slideshow…
And today we celebrate...