Publisher’sNote
The Eastern Shore’s Foremost Parenting Source
I don’t know if the shock of everything that has
happened over the last couple of months will ever
fully go away, but like most of you, I am settling into it
a little more. Brad and I already worked from home,
so that was no change. However, working from home
with all three girls home with us was a different story.
Summers, we can handle. Activities, friends... lots of
things to keep the girls active and occupied. This is
different. Unlike summer, the girls still have school
responsibilities and no social or extra-curricular activi-
ties. But like all parents, I had a plan. The experts say,
stick to a schedule. Up and ready for breakfast by 8
am and begin schoolwork by 9 am. Finished by lunch.
Perfect! But what sounds good on paper is not always
reality, and certainly not how it all went down at my
house. Many mornings I get up, get dressed (I am
a firm believer in getting dressed and ready every morning) then get distracted with
emails or phone calls, and the next thing I know the schedule is toast. Some days it
makes me feel like a huge mom fail. But as all of this draws out longer and the stress
and cabin fever grows, the schedule was honestly one of the things I just had to let
go of, at least for now. After all, the girls have proven to be very responsible with their
work, even without the schedule. So, at least for today, we are going with what works
for us. We are all adjusting differently and we need to be mindful of our physical AND
our mental health. If you have days that just don’t work like you want, it’s okay. Don’t
be too hard on yourself. Find what works for you and your family. If you need some
ideas for getting in a groove with academics, flip to page 32 where you will find Finish
the School Year Virtually: 10 Ways to Help Your Child Stay Strong, by Janeen
Lewis. She has some excellent advice for staying on track.
Like many of you, we have found some extra time in our schedules, which has
afforded us the ability to do more cooking. If you know me well, you know that cook-
ing is definitely not one of my strengths. But, with more time and having the girls
around, it has been a lot more fun! I think it is a great skill for them to be practicing
at this age. Brad has joined in the fun and has been teaching the girls some house
maintenance and repair skills. Before you know it, they will be on their own and glad
they had these lessons. In fact, we have decided to start working on the list Kimberley
Spivey compiled in her article, Life Skills Every High School Graduate Needs, on
page 36. Check it out, especially if you have graduating seniors. They will thank you
for it...at least one day.
Speaking of graduates, it has been heartbreaking to see what these young
people and their families are going through. They are missing their prom, gradua-
tion parties, and moments of savoring the last few carefree weeks between exams
and graduation. So this month we want to give a big shout-out to the Class of 2020
and their families, and help celebrate their achievements as they move into the next
chapter of their lives. This month (and in June) we have a Senior Spotlight section
to celebrate some of these special graduates. Check it out beginning on page 40.
To the grads, CONGRATULATIONS and warmest wishes as you move on to your
next great adventure! To everyone, stay safe, be well, and savor the sweet moments.
Lynn
Publisher
Lynn Knighton
[email protected]
Editor
DeAnne Watson
[email protected]
Associate Editor
Kelly Watson
Research Editor
Christa Weinberg
Contributing Writers
Christa Melnyk Hines
Janeen Lewis
Sonia Martin, LICSW, PIP
Dave Ramsey
Robert L. Rux, M.D.
Gerry Paige Smith
Kimberley Carter Spivey
Cover Photography
Aimee Reynolds Phogography
www.aimeereynoldsphotography.com
President
Jason Watson
[email protected]
Advertising Opportunities
Lynn Knighton
[email protected]
(251) 929-2099
Accounts Manager
Eleanor Williams
Ad Design
Tim Welch
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Eastern Shore Parents I May 2020
Eastern Shore Parents Magazine, is founded on
the principle that parenting is an exciting, diverse,
challenging, and significant, role in our community.
Eastern Shore Parents Magazine is a community
advocate for families and the parenting process.
6
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