This week I’ve been taught how to use some of the features of Zoom which I didn’t know existed, so that’s two learning triumphs on the same day.  My teacher clearly knows her stuff and wanted to ensure that I was up to date, too.  I admire her training talents just as much as her desire to ensure that I wasn’t left behind in the virtual communications race.  Yes, it’s fair to say that my six year old granddaughter has learned diversion with absolute grace and charm.  Today’s Super Gran spelling spot was not delivering on excitement this afternoon, so I was treated to a skills update by my granddaughter instead.  Aren’t I the proud one?  Note to self: must make my comprehension explanations more engaging.

I’m fortunate that I’m not accountable for home schooling let alone trying to work at the same time.  My daily (Monday to Friday) sessions with my granddaughter are pure indulgence.  I get to read some of the children’s stories I’ve written for her recently and she reads to me.  Silly hats, ridiculous voices, out of tune singing, and that’s just Hev (as I’ve always been called).  I’m not sure whether I should let on here, but some of my learning preparation has been more intense than for a board room pitch.

I’m lucky that I’m able to help out for just 45 minutes each school day and that my protégé is as keen to develop my skills as I am hers.  We’ve been cooking together (when she visits) for several years – lasagne, crumpets and more.  Right now, I’m thrilled to be able to direct biscuit decorating in Berkshire from Sussex and yes, of course it’s essential to sieve the icing sugar when making royal icing!  Such a pity I’m unable to help with the clearing up.  Next time, we’re making rocky road.  Friday’s baking spot is special because it reminds me of helping my Granddad when he was baking and decorating family celebration cakes.

Today has reminded me of the pleasure there is to be had from helping children (as well as grown-ups) with their development.  It’s been fun to go back to basics and revisit the seasons and different shapes, not to mention the nuances of silent letters and spelling “chaos”.  It’s brought back happy memories of the word competitions which my Mum and Dad used to create to extend my vocabulary.  Sometimes we’d spend entire weekends finding alternative words to describe “nice” or “said”, and I’m confident that the benefits of those competitions are still with me when I write.

Learning can be fun although like most things, it helps if you like the subject.  I’m creative and I’m a practical soul who’s always enjoyed learning by doing.  I’m a great reflector too, so I tend to dive in and have a go, then consider what I could do differently next time.  Both take confidence, as well as patience and it’s patience which sometimes gets forgotten.  We forget to stick with something until it’s a skill.  Right now, I’m learning how to engage my six year old granddaughter over Zoom and I want to get it right.  I want to be the best that I can be.

It’s been a tough 12 months for just about everyone.  I realize that many working parents are doubting their own abilities right now.  They’re feeling swamped by their work commitments (or their need to find new careers) and their home schooling obligations.  There seems little time left for anything else, least of all your wellbeing.  I don’t pretend to have all of the answers, although I recognise the benefits of spending half an hour each day on something quite different.  For my husband, that’s putting practice around carefully placed tins on the living room carpet today.  And for me it’s creating children’s stories and learning new tricks over Zoom. 

You’ll know how much I promote the value of a cuppa and a comfy chair for a little “me” time.  Perhaps that’s the time to think about what you might do each day to stay on top of your own wellbeing.  Maybe a comfy chair and a cappuccino are all you need or perhaps you’d like to try making some rocky road?  And if it’s not what you need to do each day, you may enjoy writing stories or helping out with spellings and comprehension.  What might you do differently?  What are you going to try?  I’d love to hear about your plans and your progress – let’s chat.