I get it, they're not on vacation, those kids of ours. However, they are not quite sure about that yet. Adolescent son in particular is still in consultation with himself about what 'should' be done and there is absolutely no question of being bored. Lotte has already put together her own schedule yesterday with the necessary school tasks that she has to learn and carry out at home. Super of course, but I also like a little less, all those tight schedules now that they have to learn at home because of the Corona virus. I think it's so typically Dutch to just keep on thundering, only now from home.
The world is almost turned upside down and what are we doing? Watching the numbers and keeping the performance high! Don't get me wrong, I don't think we should let our kids do anything. But people... may we get used to the lockdown situation that Corona is causing instead of knitting all plans around right away and raising learning at home as a priority.
When I open the social media I almost panic with all the tips, schedules, daily rhythm cards and so on. It seems that everyone is doing their best to show others how well they have it all done. I see kids sitting behind their desks or at the kitchen table from early in the morning. Open your laptop and start learning!
And I can only think 'how then'? With us, the children sleep in a bit and then get to work quietly. Luc's concentration leaves a lot to be desired and I notice that he really needs his time to 'catch his breath' in between. At school, of course, they often chat with friends in between and during all the breaks there is plenty of card game. How can I expect him to learn here for two hours straight?
It seems like there is no room for a pause. While this is just the point I think. For example, my head is spinning with all the information about the Corona virus. How will that be with our children? Children can also experience anxiety during this hectic period. Even though you may not notice it right away, I'm convinced it keeps them busy. Let's not underestimate what goes on in those heads and give them the rest to get used to this new situation.
Doing nothing at all is not an option, of course. Certainly not for Luc, because he is in his final year. How this will all go remains to be seen. But it is clear that we do not have a very strict regime here. We learn something, we talk, we have lunch together, we go for a nice walk with the dog (provides the best conversations) and play a game or watch a movie.
As the weeks go by, we will undoubtedly get more used to it and also work more in the form of schedules (although Lotte is already more involved in that). But for now we are doing everything at ease to get used to our new rhythm with the four of us at home.
