Remember the book turned movie The Help? Even if you haven’t read the book – or watched the movie you probably heard this line “you is kind, you is smart and you is important”.
The maid said it to the semi neglected child she took care of. When I first read this I thought yes, our kids need us to affirm who they are and their potential. But today, as we are navigating a new school year and debating whether we will homeschool, 100% remote learning or combination of remote and cohort learning I feel like mama needs some affirmations too.
You is Kind
Be kind – your decision may not be the decision of another mama. Your decision does not make you superior or inferior to another mama. The decision is definitely a hard one. Who wants to send their kids to school under these circumstances? What generation has ever had to sign a waiver that hey, the way your child might contract a deadly virus and we want to be released from all liability? But, the reality is that not every mom can homeschool their child. Maybe they have to work to keep a food over their family’s head and food on the table. Maybe English isn’t their first language and they struggle with schooling their children. Maybe the mom homeschooling or 100% remote learning is because her child suffers from anxiety or asthma and wearing a mask for long periods is a trigger. Just be kind!
You is Smart
Your decision is yours to make. You are smart enough to make it. Don’t feel less than because your response isn’t what your friends or circle of peers are doing. Mama, there are no right answers here only best fit ones. What is best for your friend’s family may not be best for your family. Do you boo!
You is Important
Whether you decide to be the teacher, enforcer of online learning or support system for your kids – you are important. But most importantly you are not alone. Find your tribe and lean into them because chances are they’ll need to lean into you at some point. This is all new territory no one is a native or veteran – we are all first time travelers. Let’s do this thing without shaming and be open minded and compassionate to one another. We’re in this together.
Remember… You is kind, you is smart and you is important!
With Love From Catt
~XO