I don't mean the fact that I put the dirty laundry into the dryer instead of the washing machine. Or that I put the milk in the pantry. Or that I am no longer able to walk and talk at the same time. I mean things everywhere are mixed up.
Instead of talking to my kids, I'm texting them. Instead of being in the same room with them, I'm looking at pictures. Instead of teaching them, I'm sending home packets. Instead of posting colorful pictures of artwork, I'm packing up my room for the summer.
And the mix-up isn't just confined to the world of education.
Instead of talking to my kids, I'm texting them. Instead of being in the same room with them, I'm looking at pictures. Instead of teaching them, I'm sending home packets. Instead of posting colorful pictures of artwork, I'm packing up my room for the summer.
And the mix-up isn't just confined to the world of education.
Everywhere I go I see people who were once rational, in a frenzied panic. People who used to smile and say hello are now taking a 10-foot detour. Shopping carts are loaded down with toilet paper, of all things. Parents are equipping their kids with their own shopping cart so that they can purchase more than the minimum. People look at you with fear in their eyes. Streets are empty. Schools are empty. While cars in retail parking lots fight for a space and shoppers crowd at the door.
Have we all gone mad?
No, but I do think we've lost some of our common sense. I know we've lost our manners. Smiling at someone won't kill you or them. There is no reason for common courtesy to vanish. There is no reason to panic. There is never a reason to use your child to violate restrictions (or for any other thing).
And why are parking lots crowded? If we're supposed to stay at home, why are we out shopping? If kids can't go to school, they shouldn't be going to the local gathering place to meet their friends. If parents are consuming larger than normal amounts of alcohol because they are dealing with THEIR kids all day, then maybe they should be a bit more understanding the next time they get a call from school.
I know the situation is serious. I know people that have to take extra precautions because of health issues. But I don't think things are as dire as some would have us to believe. I don't believe all the media hype. Maybe I watched "Pollyanna" too much as a kid, but I do see the sunshine. I see hope. I see a brighter tomorrow. I'm ready to go to a restaurant (who isn't?). I'm ready to see open signs on businesses. I'm ready to see store shelves stocked. And I'm ready for school to resume in August.
I'm ready for things to return to 'normal.'
(For more of Kim Frencken's writing and information about her educational products, check out her blog, Chocolate For the Teacher.)
Have we all gone mad?
No, but I do think we've lost some of our common sense. I know we've lost our manners. Smiling at someone won't kill you or them. There is no reason for common courtesy to vanish. There is no reason to panic. There is never a reason to use your child to violate restrictions (or for any other thing).
And why are parking lots crowded? If we're supposed to stay at home, why are we out shopping? If kids can't go to school, they shouldn't be going to the local gathering place to meet their friends. If parents are consuming larger than normal amounts of alcohol because they are dealing with THEIR kids all day, then maybe they should be a bit more understanding the next time they get a call from school.
I know the situation is serious. I know people that have to take extra precautions because of health issues. But I don't think things are as dire as some would have us to believe. I don't believe all the media hype. Maybe I watched "Pollyanna" too much as a kid, but I do see the sunshine. I see hope. I see a brighter tomorrow. I'm ready to go to a restaurant (who isn't?). I'm ready to see open signs on businesses. I'm ready to see store shelves stocked. And I'm ready for school to resume in August.
I'm ready for things to return to 'normal.'
(For more of Kim Frencken's writing and information about her educational products, check out her blog, Chocolate For the Teacher.)
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