Creating a new Plan for the next 3 weeks

 We have added a new layer atop the continuing saga of homeschooling.  Alex is now in quarantine due to his exposure to his father who tested Covid-19 positive.  Alex will now remain in quarantine at his father's home until 12/22/2020 in keeping with the CDC requirements.

To say that this has been an unexpected twist in the road is an understatement for sure.  It was difficult as it was...getting Alex out of bed daily, fed and medicated and in his seat to attend virtual classes online from home.  It was already a battle to keep him motivated and focused, as he was sitting here next to me.

So here are my new thoughts- new observations.

My communication with Alex since his quarantine began has been over the phone or using Google Duo on the phone or just simply through text.  Texting is a fine way to say, "hey kid...thinking of you"!  But aside from that, I have to rely heavily on the phone and video calls.  Alex is a quiet talker, and the dynamics I see arising are that his father, who is accustomed to being alone at home, is constantly interrupting, calling him, calling out to him, talking to him, checking on him...or just talking on his own telephone in a nearby room.

Far be it from me to impose on other people's home lives...I really get it!  But suddenly, their home and our homes are on top of each other and that just feels intrusive!  I am surrendered to the idea that it must be this way.  I try to minimize distractions so that Alex can focus, but his father is not the same about it...an ongoing issue that has divided our values regarding the children's needs for years now.  Even if I try to explain to David that his behavior is not helpful, it will continue to fall upon mostly deaf ears.

So my plan is multifaceted and I think it will work.  First, I contacted the school and was told that regardless of Alex's quarantine situation, he will be required to complete schoolwork.  I completely understand- I mean, I don't want Alex to fall behind either! Plus, it's not like he is so busy over at dad's house....but Dad does NOT have internet!  Yesterday, my husband spent several hours researching and shopping and trying to locate any internet service we could get for Alex there.  Portable hot spots are available but the type of phone service he has at his father's house is too limited to support it.

I feel like I have just been moping about for days trying to get my thoughts straight...today I just got tired of waiting for more feedback from the school administration.  I have not heard from anyone beyond what I have already stated above:  that Alex will still be responsible for the work.  

So everyday I feel the stress when I receive that stupid email from Aspen saying that Alex was absent "A" for today.....GGGGGGGGRRRRRRRRRR.

I went through Alex's school emails and his Google Classroom and created a list of all the work items that have been assigned and due dates. I marked items in the Agenda and then sent a personal email to each teacher explaining what is happening with Alex so they understand his absence from my side of things.  Then I indicated to them what I had found when I went into Google Classroom and indicate assignments by name.  Lastly, I ask each teacher which assignments can be exempted, which can be turned in late and which ones we should try to submit using a complicated system of me working virtually with Alex on Google Duo and then submitting his work myself.

I heard back from the PE teacher and Social Studies teacher already.  I felt that their feedback was great so I fully expect more cooperation!  My biggest worry if any, is that I am taking a proactive position on this and I do not want to hear negativity from the school because that will just get me angry.  I feel that since they did not offer the solution, it fell to me to create a solution that I can manage and see if they will accept it.  Now that it's out there...I will just have to wait and see.

The next problem I am going to have (yes, I already know what it is)...MEDS.

I am going to need Alex's father to cooperate with the plan that Alex will need to take his ADHD meds daily by a certain time and then work with me to complete assignments, or possibly also independently.  Either way, Alex works best with the meds.  David has not been a proponent of Alex taking the stimulants meds.  He cooperates with nightly meds to manage the depression which is an affect of the ADHD.  So with David, I will also need to assert and follow-up and stay on top of it.

Yesterday, Annika and I went to the market and to her bakery to get yummy foods and drinks and treats to bring them so that David would not need to worry so much about passing Covid while preparing foods.  We think it made them happy!  I will talk today with Alex to advise him of our new plan/system...and then we will start probably as early as tomorrow.  This strategy will carry us literally up until the DAY BEFORE WINTER BREAK STARTS.  At least Alex will be home for Christmas, and this was how Annika attempted to cheer me today was to remind of this.  Bless her little heart.

Gotta run now...much to do!

~Namaste

Lilac


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