The School Year & My “COVID-19 Mom Face”

I need to work on my mom face, especially my “COVID-19 Mom Face” in relation to the upcoming school year. I need to react inwardly and keep my facial features in check so I do not freak out my kids, offend my peers, or cause undue stress upon friends and family.

This upcoming school year is going to be different. If it happens at all. I need to be prepared for anything and everything this virus is going to throw at us because my kids are watching. Some days they seem oblivious to the utter state of confusion surrounding our community (and country). However, there are moments where I can see the worry in their eyes and the frustration in their frowns.

This situation is beyond anyone’s control, which means a strong “COVID-19 Mom Face” matters.

A Game Plan

There is no rule book for how to tackle a pandemic, especially this one. My poker face needs work and I am trying. I have a plan to be happy and committed on the outside when it comes to how our school district proceeds with the start of the year. Now behind the scenes, most likely my spouse and close friends will get an earful as I vent, worry, or string together swear words.

My family and I will wear a mask when asked to wear a mask. And sometimes even when it is not required. This will help hide my grimaces and scowls. And keep us all safer.

I will use hand sanitizer faithfully and scrub my palms and fingers with soap as often as necessary. Touching my face still happens, because it is almost impossible not to scratch my eyes and nose with this season’s high pollen count. Again, I will strive to do better.

Guidelines are meant to be followed and the fairness queen in me as a middle child will work to follow the rules. As a parent, I want to be in the know and take recommendations from professionals seriously. If I can set a good example, anyone can do it. I am stubborn, but am able to play nice with everyone. It really is not that difficult. 

Find Some Positives

Another part of my plan is to find reasons to be thankful and really hammer those points home to my kids. If school starts, but then closes. Hey, let us be happy we got to start. 

If school has to start via online learning or switch at some point to learning at home, then I hope we can be thankful for the ability to adapt. The right internet bandwidth and just owning a commitment to making it happen will go a long way.  

If school commences on a part-time basis and my children are not going to class the same days as friends, well yes that stinks. But, at least seeing familiar faces belonging to teachers, staff, and administrators will be fun and familiar.

It Still Stinks

I am big on acknowledging that the COVID-19 crisis is the worst. As a parent though, I have to work hard to distract my kids from the negative. It is a long and dark rabbit hole once you start dissecting all of the hurt and disruption caused by COVID-19.

My older children seem to kind of understand just how detrimental this virus has been for people. But on the whole they still focus more on the injustice of no extracurricular activities or limited chances to go on vacations. Life is hectic enough, so I have been trying to nudge them over to the side of things that showcases how fortunate we are to live in a country where front line workers answer the call and essential service is carried out with pride. 

My Mom Face

I know I have rolled my eyes too many times when it comes to hearing, reading, or seeing leaders make decisions in relation to the coronavirus. I know a part of my personality will never have the perfect poker face. I am pretty blunt and straightforward. I blame this trait on growing up with two brothers and trying hard to boss them around my entire childhood (and even now as adults).

Our school district is still deciding what the schedule will look like come August. It is an uncertain future. Things will continue to change and blur on the daily and unfortunately I do not know anyone with the answers for the correct protocol. 

When it comes to my kids and our school district…I have filled out my survey. I have had a voice. 

And at the end of the day, I hope I can just put on a happy face so that my kids are excited about the start of the school year.