I am writing to check on you.  I am sure there have been some hiccups, bumps, stress and maybe even tears….

I know you don’t have time to read a long blog post so let’s get to it.  Here are some things to keep in mind:

1. Breathe
I mean smell the roses and blow out the candles-breathe. Remember you are not a teacher and thats ok. You are doing a job we went to college for 4 (or more) years to do and now you have been thrust into this new role. You may have had a vision of how it was all going to go today and NONE of that has happened!  That’s ok. 

2.  Take breaks-take lots of breaks
A 1 minute, 5 minute, 15 minute break can do wonders for all parties involved.

3. Give yourself (and everyone else) grace
Just like you have never had this kind of a crazy situation happen before-neither has your teacher, therapist or principal.  We are all working very hard to be sure that you and your kids are served and getting intervention and education in some way but there are going to be some bumps.  So before you lose it-remember that we are ALL on a learning curve.

4. If you are still working in addition to homeschooling- be sure to communicate that to your boss-the challenges that are coming your way and do your best to make the time you do work as productive as possible. This is the time to over communicate with your boss and coworkers. Most supervisors are very understanding during this time because chances are their lives are turned upside-down too. But don’t have them come find you to get information. When you are overly communicative it makes things more clear.

5. Consider the first days-a ‘learning curve day‘
 Remember on your first day of school-the teacher would not just dive into teaching the hard stuff but would start out pretty easy to kind of ease everyone into it?  Well today (and maybe even tomorrow) is that day for you.

6. Curb the complaining and make a plan
 Yes perhaps the teacher should have done a better job explaining. Yes maybe your husband should help a bit more. Yes perhaps there should be a packet of activities,  But see #3.  Give some grace-everyone is doing their best (including you).  Think about what went well today and what did not and try to change one thing that you CAN control.  

-Do the kids need to be separated?
-Do they need to get up earlier?
-Do they need to get up later?
-Do they need to start the day off playing outside?
-Can they make their own lunch?

We will get through it.  Hopefully with all of our hair!  You can do this!

I love you all!  Reply to this email and tell me how I can support you?  What topics you want to cover in the next couple of weeks!

You can do more than you think you can do,

Adrienne