My High Schooler is Going to Lose Her Mind If It's All Distance Learning

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Op again. Thanks so much! The problem with a puppy is we already have cats. If we got lucky with the right dog I could see that being great for her but I’ve heard so many bad stories about dogs having to be re-homed — that would make her life much worse.

Try Lu’s Labs - awesome lab rescue, they foster the dogs briefly so you’ll have an idea of temperament and labs are generally very good natured

We got our dog through Lu’s Labs too and if you have cats (as we did) they will only let you adopt a dog who has happily lived with a cat. Plus the description of our dog was very thorough and 100% accurate.

[Anonymous]

Drawing pictures with a friend on the other side of a window
Training a dog
Dressing up just because, and having either a mother-daughter or father-daughter dinner with food delivery
Having a zoom sleepover with friends (same activities, each on zoom the whole time)

The reality is that things are different. She needs to find ways to adapt things she like to do or find new things that she wouldn’t otherwise have time for with a busy schedule.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Move somewhere where school will be in session?

I don’t think anyone is starting at full this year.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP-- I am sorry that so many people are responding with negativity. My D was similar. We did the following and it really helped

-let her have one friend that she could see not socially distanced. We spoke with the family and believe they are being pretty safe.
-she got a babysitting job with a family where the parents are working from home. Lots of families are looking for august and the school year because of closed schools and camps. This was not what she wanted to do, but having a job/schedule/getting out of the house has made a world of difference in her attitude.
-encouraging her to see friends socially distanced and outside.

We know there is some risk to these, but we have decided the minimal risk is worth the trade off for her mental health. good luck.

I agree. Early on in the summer, I sat my family down and we had a "lemonade" planning session. It might be time to have one for the school year. Lots might stinck, but what can you do to make some lemonade out of these lemons. Brainstorm. I just mentioned to my HS senior that she and her pals could have a socially distanced lunch on my patio any day they want in the fall. She resonded "yeah and we have every Wednesday off." We took some extra family vacation time this summer to Deep Creek lake for hiking and kayaking. A change of scenery was excellent. Even family hikes or trips to local state parks can be rejuvinating. I'm already thinking if my kids' activities don't keep them busy this winter, skiing might be safe so perhaps we get an annual pass to liberrty. I realize not everyone has resources to thrown $ at these problems, but we are spending a lot less on lunches downtowna and metro fare and parking for our commute, so in our case its a matter of re-allocation.

The only issue for skiing is the lodge.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Op again. Thanks so much! The problem with a puppy is we already have cats. If we got lucky with the right dog I could see that being great for her but I’ve heard so many bad stories about dogs having to be re-homed — that would make her life much worse.

If you have cats who are confident, they will ball up a paw and bop the puppy’s nose the first time he tries to sniff too close. Typical adult animal to baby who is learning social cues. If your cats aren’t confident, don’t get a puppy.

Regardless of fat temperament, you could consider fostering a dog. Many dogs are comfortable with cats; those who grew up with confident adult cats in the house will feel right at home with your cats.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Move somewhere where school will be in session?

We are looking at renting a house in Massachusetts for the year. My son is up there for college. I just can not do online learning with 4 kids and work. I just can't.

Massachusetts is starting out virtual too.