I just wanted to let you know that I think...

That's right. I think you're amazing. In honor of World Kindness Day, let's practice a little kindness to ourselves. Here's a little letter I wrote to all the moms, dads, and anyone else currently supporting an at-home learner. Please share it with anyone you think needs to hear this:

Dear Moms, Dads, or Anyone Else Helping an At-Home Learner,

When you look in the mirror, you might see the bags under your eyes from the late nights trying to get caught up on your own work because your days are spent retrieving missing passwords, troubleshooting Google Meet issues, and reminding your kid to pay attention to virtual class. You might see the creases around your mouth from the frown that seems to be there more than a smile. Or your shoulders that hunch under the weight of all that you carry.

But I see you.

I see someone who is doing the best they can to guide their children through an incredibly difficult time. Someone who has stepped up to take on the role of teacher even though that was the last role you ever thought you’d have. Someone who makes their children show up every day no matter how much they hate virtual school because you believe it is important. Someone who advocates for your children and makes the necessary changes when virtual school isn’t working for them. Someone who goes to bed each night thinking that you can’t possibly continue like this for another day, yet who wakes up the next morning and serves breakfast while reviewing that day’s class schedule.

I see you and I think you are amazing.

I just thought you should know that.

With love,

Emily

P.S. Know another parent of an at-home learner who could use some kindness today? Please share this message in honor of World Kindness Day!