SWE Members Balance Work and eLearning

We were curious to know how our working parents are handling—and adapting to—all the changes within 2020's back-to-school season, so we asked about their experiences and feelings—the good, the bad, and the in-between!
Swe Members Balance Work And Elearning
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Kids back in school? eLearning from home? Participating in a hybrid format?

We were curious to know how our working parents are handling—and adapting to—all the changes within 2020’s back-to-school season, so we asked about their experiences and feelings—the good, the bad, and the in-between!

Here’s what some of our SWE members had to say:

“We are in pure adjustment phase here. I am onsite a few days a week, otherwise designing from home and OJT for my new position – teachers aid for two grumpy teenagers, remote learning (voluntold by ‘Rona to become such). I am torn between wanting to be a good mom and the love I also have for what I do. I would like to count my blessings in all this, there are many. The Curse seems to come in waves by the hour though. Give us a few weeks and ask again! ‘Till then, keep on smiling friends.”

Barbara W.


“We are on week 3 of school. Our district has gone to a traditional schedule. Just trying to get back to a somewhat normal routine while taking all precautions. It’s been a wild ride. My kids are older (junior high and high school) so I don’t have to worry about childcare, etc.—but teens come with their own set of challenges as well.”

Kayra J.


“Hybrid 6th grade. He’s mostly independent but needed occasional help the first week. Also, it’s the beginning of middle school which has me concerned if he’s staying on top of email, google classroom notices, logging in for each class on time, especially after breaks. I downloaded google classroom on my tablet to see what his teachers post. I don’t check his assignments. I’m sure I’ll relax in a couple of weeks.”

Cherie C.


“All virtual. First grade. Don’t know how teachers do this!!”

Carrie O.


“We’re doing remote learning for two—one in Kindergarten and one in 3rd. Our 3rd grader is fairly independent but still needs help connecting to his zoom classes occasionally. The Kindergartner is more hands on and my partner has to be within earshot to make sure she’s on task or if she needs supplies/help. Been stressful making sure they’re both engaged, but we’re working through it so far.”

Kristine B.


“I have a hybrid 1st grader. The at-home days are really only an hour of work plus reading for 20 minutes. Feel like he is not getting enough but we are both working from home on top of it. Then there is the 20 minutes of complaining to get three sentences in his journal. I feel like he is better when he see other kids at the same level.”

Sara B.


“My high school kids are now doing hybrid. One half the school is in person with other half remote. Most classes when remote are watching the live classroom. Luckily my kids are old enough to handle things on their own. My husband and I are both working from home too. Our biggest issue is internet bandwidth with four people on video calls at once! My heart goes out to those with little ones who need help with calls.”

Amy H.


“This definitely is a stressful time for all. So thankful that parents and school are trying to keep everyone safe yet continue teaching. Hang in there, you are doing what is best.”

Marilyn K.


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