The unsung heroes and old dogs learning new tricks

Now that we all have the basics of social distancing down, or at least I hope those of you taking your time to read this have them. Let me take this moment to get onto my own little soapbox.

If you have children have you taken the time to acknowledge and thank the heroes and heroines known as teachers!! Do you realize the importance of the role teachers play in your child/ren’s life? Children the world over had their school routine cut short and we as parents/caregivers required to step up to the plate and take on a whole new mantle, that of teacher. In the past week I have learnt how to pretend to be a qualified teacher for both a 13 and 8 year old. I must say I am quite lucky as the eldest is quite responsible for herself and takes her education well and truly into her own hands. My 8 year old on the other hand needs a bit of guidance on managing his time between school and play.

Teachers the world over I salute and honor you!

I am also learning how to develop a respectable balance between school and play time. This may sound easy to some but I am of an older generation where play was not really encouraged over school time. Therefore I am learning a whole new way of being as I guide the children ensuring they keep up with the learning being posted by the teachers in their own homes.

I must also note that the children used to fight like proverbial cats and dogs. Before the quarantine, they had the whole world or at least their school friends at their disposal. Bickering like fish-wives was the norm, they could fall back onto their friends for support and compassion. They could say “ugh brothers/sisters are so annoying with eyes rolling so far back into their skulls they put themselves in danger of passing out. Now they get along so much better as I think it has also compelled them to realize that truly all they have is each other at the end of it all.

Who are your unsung heroes? Name them and let's sing their praises. Share this post with any teacher you may know and let them know that we acknowledge their contribution to the development of our children.