Messy mommy Holly and I are having an anxious back to school. While we are glad our kids are going back to their respective Catholic schools, we are nervous about what is ahead. There seems to be no right answers on how to proceed with school this fall and things are continuing to change by the day. We're thinking of all the mommas out there as they try to navigate this crazy time.
Holly and my niece Eleanora came over the other day for lunch and for the girls to play. Holly and I did Facebook Live and Instagram Live on the patio while the girls did a "last to leave" the kiddie pool challenge. We talked about being nervous and how our schools seem to have solid plans in place. We're empathetic for our neighbors and friends that are gearing up for more remote learning and those that are like us, with kids going back in person.
Holly shared that she and Eleanora are doing "8 things before 8th grade" and that Eleanora wanted to watch the sunrise as their first thing. I loved this! Holly and Eleanora had checked the time for the sunrise in Chicago - 6:04 am and got up early. They did a mobile order at Starbucks and after picking up their drinks headed to the lake front. Holly is so smart, she knew many of the Lake Shore Drive lake front accesses are closed due to COVID-19 and headed for Lincoln Park Zoo. As a member, she had parking. Eleanora and she walked to the lakefront and listed to Eleanora's favorite playlist while watching the sun rise over Lake Michigan. Wow, what a great way to kick off "8 things before 8th grade!" I need to work on "3 things before 3rd grade!"
Holly shared that she and Eleanora are doing "8 things before 8th grade" and that Eleanora wanted to watch the sunrise as their first thing. I loved this! Holly and Eleanora had checked the time for the sunrise in Chicago - 6:04 am and got up early. They did a mobile order at Starbucks and after picking up their drinks headed to the lake front. Holly is so smart, she knew many of the Lake Shore Drive lake front accesses are closed due to COVID-19 and headed for Lincoln Park Zoo. As a member, she had parking. Eleanora and she walked to the lakefront and listed to Eleanora's favorite playlist while watching the sun rise over Lake Michigan. Wow, what a great way to kick off "8 things before 8th grade!" I need to work on "3 things before 3rd grade!"
Holly and I also chatted about the socially distanced classroom set-ups and how different some things will be for the kids. Lunch will be in the classrooms and we are looking to make it as positive as can be for the girls. I'm a fan of Crunch Pak Foodles and Crunch Pak snacks and will be popping Foodles and other Crunch Pak snacks into the girls lunch boxes. I think they are cheery, healthy snacks and the girls like the cheeses, apples, pretzels and other snacks. I'm all for cheery lunch items during this crazy time and healthy options are a bonus! Holly shared that Eleanora likes the salads at Trader Joe's and that may be a good option for Eleanora. Everything for her lunch needs to be disposable. So many little details to think about this fall!
We also talked a bit about the kids wearing masks for school. I shared that I saw a great back to school mask tip while watching with the girls a YouTube video from the great This Is How We Bingham family. We love the happy, kind, funny TIHWB YouTube videos! The mom had set up a mask station for back to school. She had a small plastic three drawer chest and put different size masks in the drawers. Above the chest she hung a mesh bag for dirty masks that she could just toss in the washing machine. I loved this idea and need to set up something similar!
Regardless of what format kids are going back to school in, we think some structure will be good and opportunities to interact with their teachers and classmates will be positive. So, for now, we are taking deep breaths, trying to create some special memories, and are prepping for different scenarios. To all the mommas out there working on back to school, we feel you and are cheering you on!
XOXO, Messy Mommy Meg
Regardless of what format kids are going back to school in, we think some structure will be good and opportunities to interact with their teachers and classmates will be positive. So, for now, we are taking deep breaths, trying to create some special memories, and are prepping for different scenarios. To all the mommas out there working on back to school, we feel you and are cheering you on!
XOXO, Messy Mommy Meg
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