For Students, Families, and Parents
By the Rev. Charlie Dupree
This Vlog is dedicated to students and to the parents that support and care for them.
When I first heard the news that the school systems were closing, I immediately thought of families and parents – what a change it would be to your rhythms. I realize that these uncertain times are really hard on students, on parents, and on families. On top of dealing with the pressures of distancing and working from home, you’re now asked to be teachers! I was speaking to my sister last night who is a social worker in the public school system in North Carolina. She is also a single parent. She shared with me the following quote from Dr. Emily King, a child psychiatrist who has a practice in Raleigh, NC:
Parents: What we are being asked to do is not humanly possible. There is a reason we are either a working parent, a stay-at-home parent, or a part-time working parent.
Working, parenting, and teaching are three different jobs that cannot be done at the same time.
It’s not hard because you are doing it wrong. It’s hard because it’s too much. Do the best you can.
When you have to pick, because at some point you will, choose connection.
Pick playing a game over arguing about an academic assignment. Pick teaching your child to do laundry rather than feeling frustrated that they aren’t helping. Pick laughing, and snuggling, and remind them that they are safe. If you are stressed, lower your expectations where you can and virtually reach out for social connection. We are in this together to stay well. That means mentally well, too.
I’ve also
written a few letters to students and/or parents and families (see below).
I hope that you might make use of them in your own family, if applicable, or share them with a friend. They might serve as conversation starters or simply help your student know that s/he is remembered by St. Paul’s. As Dr. King says above, no single one of us can do every single thing; we’re all in this together to support each other and to stay well.
We also invite you to join us for the following
online
offerings this week. Check our website under the
ChurchAway
page for more information.
· Morning Prayer on Sundays at 10:00 a.m.
· Evening Prayer on Monday through Friday evenings at 6:00 p.m.
· Spiritual Focus E-reflection sent Monday, Wednesday and Fridays
· Lectionary-Based
Gospel Study
with Rainey on Thursdays at 11:00 a.m.
Peace and blessings,
Charlie+
Rector, St. Paul's Episcopal Church
Richmond, Virginia
Preferred pronouns:
he, him, his
