I've seen so many Facebook friends needing a break lately. A break from politics, controversy, and the constant talk of the endless unknowns as a result of this global pandemic. I don't blame them! It's overwhelming. And unfortunately so so much of it is negative. It becomes difficult to maintain a positive attitude if you are constantly listening to or reading of other's negative comments. We, as adults, have the choice to take a Facebook break, walk away from a conversation, or turn off the news. But what about our kids?
Kids are sponges!! They soak up all of the opinions and attitudes of the adults around them. All it takes is a car ride with my girls to see just how true this is. One thing we all agree on is The Highway for a radio station. For me, it is typically just something that is playing in the background and I am only somewhat aware of the lyrics. For my girls, on the other hand, they know almost every word to every song. While we all think it is pretty cute when the three-year-old starts signing, "one margarita, two margarita..." it also serves as a reminder of what a sponge she is. Kids hear things when we think they aren't listening and they pick up on attitudes no matter how subtle we think we are being. This means we have a responsibility to keep ourselves in check.
There are many unknowns all over the country right now regarding the return to school this fall. No matter where you stand on this issue you very likely have strong feelings about it and for very good reason. The mom who works full-time out of the home is desperately hoping for a return to in-person classes so that she can return to work and continue to bring in much needed income for her family. The teacher with an auto-immune disease is hoping to continue distance learning in order to maintain her health. Voicing your opinion on this issue is important. Many school districts are actively surveying their teachers and parents to get a feel for what to do moving forward. However, please be very careful about your reaction and attitude if your state or district does not go with the plan you are hoping for. Especially when school-aged children are around.
Consider this a learning opportunity. As my parents often said to me "life isn't always fair." Your child will no doubt be faced with disappointment or less-than-ideal situations over and over in their lives. They will get a present they don't want. They will face a difficult break-up. They may lose a job. They may face a difficult health diagnosis. We cannot prevent them from heartbreak, disappointment or losses forever. And while this feels hard to swallow as a parent who wants nothing but happiness for their child, it means that we have the HUGE responsibility of teaching our children how to accept and move forward.
Instead of complaining when the plan for fall is not what you wanted, model for your children how to make the most of a not ideal situation. You may just teach them a life lesson that is more far-reaching than you can even imagine.
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