Do it for Malala!

When I was in elementary school, ONE day I forgot my lunch money.  At the time, the rule was, no money, no lunch, so that the youngsters could learn about economic inequality RIGHT away.  When I came home, hungry and crying, I was greeted with a lesson to give me some perspective.  Many children around the world do not have enough food every day, I, on the other hand, have lunch every day except for this one.  I am NOT blaming the adults around me as I think at the time, you were not allowed to get your parenting papers unless you frequently stated, "finish what's on your plate because there are children starving in Africa." It was one of THE most popular slogans back then.  I think you would get a demerit if you didn't use it.  When I was told this, I felt ashamed of myself and badly for the other children who didn't have lunch.  (Also, at the time, I had not yet learned the trick of "name dropping", which I utilized frequently during hospital stays with Ellie, because for crying out loud, my stepdad was the principal of the elementary school.)  I think mostly though, it made me feel like the adults around me would NOT in fact help me when I needed help.  

Fast forward to the present, as I struggle with Lotta and Zibbi expressing how very much they hate virtual school right now.  I do understand that the upset is about MUCH more than virtual school.  Virtual school is just the last straw after many other disappointing straws.  (Why straws in this scenario?  I think of a hay stack when I write that, but are we talking about plastic straws? Maybe this phrasing should eliminated for the sea turtles?)  Zoom meetings have been dubbed "Doom Zoom" by Zibbi.  Lotta cries on Sunday night anticipating the upcoming school week.  Unfortunately, every time they protest, I think of all the girls who have been denied education based on gender.  I think of Malala Yousafzai, who fought for girls in Pakistan to have an equal education to the point of getting shot by her opposition.  I think of our own country, where not that long ago, girls were not seen as worthy of educating.  So HOW do I listen AND understand their frustration at doing schooling virtually AND provide additional perspective.  Because honestly, it has helped me recently a GREAT deal to think of all the people during World War II who hid in small spaces to stay safe, compared to us in a modern home with amazing technology hiding from a deadly virus.  (I know I know it's not completely equivalent).  When I think of the alternatives, I feel fortunate.  And THAT is what I want to convey to Lotta and Zibbi.  The ability to both feel the feels AND find the gratitude and perspective to do the best we can.  I think we are going to have loads of opportunity to work through this dilemma.