Parenting, Working, Homeschooling: Lessons from a Challenging Year

Since graduating college, I have dedicated myself to serving and supporting families through various roles—whether working in a residential facility, teaching in a classroom, or contributing to nonprofit initiatives. When my daughter was born, I knew my focus would shift toward my growing family, but I wanted to continue advocating for meaningful change in education.

Thankfully, I found a role at Participate Learning that allows me to balance my passion for education with the flexibility needed for family life.

Then 2020 happened.

As offices, schools, and businesses closed, so did the boundaries between work, home, and school. Like so many others, I found myself navigating the roles of employee, parent, and teacher all at once. Balancing these responsibilities has been a steep learning curve, but it has also brought valuable insights. Here are a few lessons I’ve learned along the way.

1. We Are All Doing Our Best

There’s no instruction manual for navigating a pandemic. Balancing work, parenting, and schooling from home has been a shared experience of trial and error. The constant uncertainty can feel overwhelming, especially when coupled with concern for our loved ones’ health and safety.

Earlier this year, my daughter had to undergo testing for a virus-related concern due to a preexisting condition. It was an experience filled with fear and uncertainty for our entire family. Thankfully, her test results came back negative, but the ordeal reinforced the importance of prioritizing health and supporting one another during difficult times.

We are all doing the best we can under challenging circumstances. Give yourself grace, and remember that it’s okay to not have everything figured out.

2. Trust in Educators

I have immense respect for the educators who work tirelessly to support students. Their dedication to the well-being and success of their students is unwavering.

As families navigate the challenges of remote and hybrid learning, it’s important to trust that educators are doing everything they can to guide and support students. Encourage your child to stay engaged and motivated, but don’t worry if they struggle at times. Teachers are there to help fill the gaps and ensure students get back on track.

3. Find Joy in the Unexpected

When my daughter started kindergarten, I knew our carefree days of playdates and spontaneous outings were coming to an end. The pandemic changed that by giving us an unexpected gift: time.

Over the past few months, we’ve created countless memories together. From outdoor adventures to teaching her how to swim, to marathon reading sessions of Harry Potter, this time has been a reminder to savor the small moments.

I acknowledge the privilege of having a flexible role that allows me to embrace these moments. Not everyone has the same opportunities, and it’s important to advocate for systems that better support families and communities.

4. Support Your Community

The challenges of this year have highlighted the importance of supporting those who contribute so much to our communities—first responders, essential workers, educators, and countless others. Their dedication deserves recognition and advocacy at every level.

One of the most powerful ways to create meaningful change is through active civic engagement. By participating in our democratic processes, we can work toward systems that prioritize the well-being of everyone in our communities.

Let’s come together and show what compassion and support look like during challenging times. Together, we can navigate these moments with resilience and care for one another.