Just do the best with what you've got

Perhaps it was because we had a pleasant weather weekend here in New York, or maybe it’s because four weeks with my family will dull me into submission, but here we are, on yet another Monday in self-quarantine, and I’m feeling… OKish?

It occurred to me at some point on Saturday afternoon, while the warm sun was finally beating down on my all-too-pale skin, that I haven’t spent this much consecutive time with my family since my last maternity leave four years ago.

While the first few weeks of self-quarantine were about getting into a rhythm, dealing with anxiety and fear and panic and frustration (and, by the way, I think we’re all still free to deal with that), I have entered this fourth week trying to hold my head up high and to remember that, for now at least, my family has our health, we have each other, and that’s a lot (with apologies to Bon Jovi), and to embrace the days as they come.

These next few weeks—much like the last few weeks—will be hard. But if we can all try our very hardest to embrace the small, strange, annoying things and get through each day, we’re only doing the very best we can with the colossally sucky hand we’ve been dealt.

So, do the best with what you’ve got. I believe your kids will see you’re trying and if you can find the small, beautiful moments with them, you’re doing pretty damn good in my book.

Take care,

Kate

Truth

Home school is HARD

Here’s how to deal if your kid can’t stand “remote learning” right now.

Read it here

For when your kid is keeping you awake...

I loved reading Lindsay Powers’ new book, You Can’t F*ck Up Your Kids, because I felt validated and heard. In particular, I was drawn to her advice on how to handle a tantrum (there are a variety of fun ones of late, no?). It got me thinking: parenting experts must have some great advice for how to handle EVERYONE in your home right now -- partners, roommates, extended family -- so I turned to them for their best overarching advice for how to handle those you’re quarantined with in this new world order. I hope it helps you handle relationships a bit better in the coming days.