I did it. We did it. While the “we” “did” and “it” could all be up for debate as to their meaning, I guess what I’m trying to say is my children and I survived week 1 of Serbinski school. Before I get into how it all played out [warning: I have a selective memory], a part of me feels like I shouldn’t even joke about survival mode or surviving a week at home with the kids. First of all, there are many people NOT surviving this pandemic. There are also people that would do anything to be with loved ones right now but for social distancing or health reasons, cannot be. So putting my motherly temper tantrums and pity-parties aside, I’m grateful at this moment in time that my family is safe, that I get to be Mom 24/7, and that there is a God watching over us [and you too, because I’ll never limit my prayers just to my immediate family].
I’ll admit I was initially stressing about staying on task with schoolwork for Joey and Anthony. Lily’s work is definitely more play and project focused [Mom’s forte], and Michael, well he’s just happy to be hanging with the group.
My Mom and a few girlfriends helped put things into perspective by reminding me that my children won’t remember the amount of schoolwork we did together, instead they’ll remember the movie night on a random Tuesday, wearing pajamas while reciting sight words, and earning a dollar for completing a variety of household chores. And while you might think, “your kids are so young they won’t remember this time,” that does not hold true for my crew. I’m pretty sure Joey remembers being BORN… and Anthony remembers what he had for dinner July 4th, 2017. I’m serious guys. My kids have impeccable memories! So, here’s to making a memorable COVID-19 shutdown for the Serbinski’s!
Some other notables about our first week of school at home:
We traveled back and forth from the Beverly Hills house to Nana and Grandpa’s in Dearborn. Nana was able to do some 1:1 learning time with Joey, Anthony, and Lily. She’s a retired kindergarten teacher and trained in the Orton-Gillingham approach.
Our teachers [from Our Lady Queen of Martyrs] did an AMAZING job uploading, guiding, and sharing lessons every day for our children through an application called Seesaw. We also loved seeing school friends on an application called Zoom.
Speaking of Zoom, I still was able to carve out ME TIME amidst their school schedule by attending my nightly recovery meetings online. Sobriety is still my number one priority right now, then comes the kiddos. I think it’s also been beneficial for the kids to see Mom’s meetings for themselves, and to know I’m in the other room talking with my meeting friends.
Learn more about how I’m working on my struggles with isolation while we are essentially being forced to isolate in my post HERE.
I started taking NEW photos on NEW photo boards for the blog. I shared in a recent post that I’m working on some blog and business updates. While there’s no deadline or launch date, just know you might notice a few changes on M2MN in the coming weeks and months.
A big THANK YOU to those working on the front lines fighting this pandemic, lending your expertise, support, and love, so my family and I can stay home. I’ve always considered myself a homebody and I’m glad I can embrace it! If this week taught me anything, it was humility on all fronts: I cannot nor ever will replace my children’s teachers and I’m beyond privileged to be able to stay home in a safe, comfortable house, making meals and snacks for my family day in and day out.
What’s one thing this past week taught you? Do you have any favorite applications or games your kids enjoyed while learning at home?
Great job, Mama!! We had a decent amount of screen time as well, but Belle’s school has sent out several great online resources including Kahn Academy. I haven’t tried that one yet, but Belle has been using ABCya! and Starfall Education!