September 4, 2020

Friendship Friday
With so many schools getting back into session virtually, that means parents and their support systems are being stretched to the limits again. There are no easy answers to heading back to school virtually or in-person. Every school is interpreting the guidelines as they see fit for their staff and students. And every parent is evaluating which of the options available to them is best for their family. However your child’s school year starts out, please take a moment to offer all involved some grace and forgiveness. Believe the best that what is happening will be the best for everyone in the long run. Off teachers some support and give the kiddos some extra hugs. We all need to be in this together to succeed!

And, if you’ve got the means to offer some emotional support to someone who is juggling these virtual dynamics, do it. Be a friend or neighborly and check in on those striving to do the juggle! I have witnessed Facebook groups popping up in my community to support others with kids in the same grade level, parents offering to help out working parents by creating small learning “pods” to help with virtual schooling. But most simply, I’ve seen people reaching out to help their immediate community – which is the best of humanity! In turbulent political times and where world events are out of our control, forging bonds with others is the best way to navigate troubling times. Strive to create a friendship where you didn’t have one before. There has never been a more important time in society for the Golden Rule: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”

Make it a new habit to focus on friends each Friday. You never know when you’ll need a friend in return!