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Kristen Bell's Latest Post Might Make You Laugh If Your Kids Are Rebelling Against Home Schooling

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Parenting in the time of COVID-19 is no small feat. From trying to navigate the technology of Zoom school to magically needing to become a teacher in every single subject overnight — it’s no secret home schooling hasn’t been a walk in the park for most parents. If any of this sounds familiar, you’re not alone.

On Monday, “Frozen” actress Kristen Bell shared a humorous image on her Instagram that highlighted a very real part of quarantine parenting — sassy kiddos rebelling against home schooling.

“Trying to get my 1st grader to write her first opinion essay, and was quite impressed with the topic she chose as she presented her grid with opinion and evidence,” Bell wrote.

In the photo, we see the topic of her daughter’s opinion essay — a “review” of her mom’s “bad reactions.” In the center she wrote, “how mom reacts to me” with phrases like “doesn’t believe in me,” “no patience” and “stern voice.”

Bell ended her post with a humorous, “Touche my young lass. Touche.” See the image and post below.

All jokes aside, kids are understandably frustrated and bored, which can make keeping up with school work that much more challenging. Parents of kids with disabilities, who are used to having a team of support for their children, may feel particularly burnt out from having to wear so many hats during COVID-19.

This is something Mighty contributor Maria Garito wrote about in her piece, “Why I’m Inspired by This ‘Hard Email’ a Mom Sent About COVID-19 and School Work.” In her article, she highlights how important it is for parents to take care of their mental health during this time.

As a teacher and a parent of a child with disabilities, I want you to know that when your mental health is taken care of, you can then care for others. I am used to not being able to educate my son with more “traditional” methods, and I am used to having to balance what is best for me and my child. I have come to learn that my mental health comes first, because without it, my son will not have the best of me.

My message to parents today is this — do what you can with what resources you have. If you want to participate in some of the work, then do so. But if you are finding it all too overwhelming, I am telling you have good reason to be making that decision.

If you are a parent struggling right now, you’re not alone. Try to have compassion for yourself as you navigate this unprecedented time of anxiety and loss. To connect with parents in our community who really “get” it, we encourage you to post a Thought or Question on The Mighty with the hashtag #Parenting. Whatever you’re going through today, you don’t have to face it alone. Stay strong parents!

Struggling with parental responsibilities during COVID-19? Check out these articles from our parenting community:

Header image via Kristen Bell’s Instagram and Wikimedia Commons

Originally published: April 28, 2020
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