missep you are always a sweetheart validating everyone's feelings on the forums. Hugs.
Hi everyone, a warm welcome to the NEW posters on the forums. Hugs.
We are so glad you found this safe space to share and have some support.
Hugs to all the forum friends I already know. High five peeps!
Hey singlemum, I'm also a single mum of lots of children in my care100%. Working FT from home also. The kids are learning from home. AND doing stacks of work shifts too - again.
Last year during lock down (LD), I ended up taking leave on half pay for 2 months to help get my MH sorted.
That helped.
My Update for this lock down and ever changing & increasing restrictions is, it's been INTERESTING.
Last LD I thought the same thing, why aren't ppl reaching out?
So I reached out.
As I spoke with my previously silent friends, I realised they were really doing it tough.
I know they're not single parents, some never struggle with money etc etc but they were still having a hard time. Some really serious health issues arising.
SO I listened - really had to pull my "judgement and comparison" head IN lol - mostly never got a chance to share anything I was going through... I connected and THAT was important to me.
Strangely, and with relief, this LD I'm doing much better even though my work is 10 fold that of last year.
And I'm not taking leave, none left really.
I never watch or listen to the news, no point really. Decisions are made without my input so it is what it is.
I won't engage in discussion about what might happen or not, I don't have the mind space to speak of fruitless things. No one has a crystal ball, so that's what I say to those around me IRL who want me to engage.
SO back to what's WITHIN my control or influence lol.
Completing my own work tasks.
Trying to maintain boundaries of work hours.
Scheduling support for the kids.
Feeding everyone, laundry blah blah blah.
Then there's the GARDEN, my fave.
Apparently there are Education Dept guidelines as to the HOURS per day a child can be expected to do their Learning from Home programs.
NOT until they're all finished but a guide to the TIME spent. About half of what some ppl think!
There are guidelines for the NSW DoE, not sure about other places around Oz.
Take good care everyone
Love EMxxxx