New support for back to school moms stressed out by virus

A Manitoban life coach is trying to help out the mothers of schoolchildren who are struggling as they look towards the coming school year.

When it comes to planning schedules, organizing rides, and communicating with teachers, Stephanie Semotok from La Broquerie says moms typically take the lead. While it is not always the case, Semotok says in southeastern Manitoba it is usually the mothers who assume the role of primary caregiver. With the ongoing presence of COVID-19, that means they are also assuming a unique set of stresses.

“There’s this giant web that moms are caught in the middle of as they trying to decide what is really going to be best for their child,” describes Semotok.

Top of mind for many parents right now is the debate between sending their kids to school or homeschooling them for the 2020-2021 school year. As Semotok explains, every decision comes with its perks and consequences that make it difficult to determine the right way forward.

“It’s totally understandable to be overwhelmed,” she says knowingly, being a mother herself. “Some days I’m supermom, and other days I’m a hot mess.”

Though it may be tempting to fret about all of the possible outcomes Semotok encourages mothers to temporarily remove themselves from the fray of warring opinions and incessant information and instead take stock of how they are feeling. Processing personal emotions, she says, is huge.

“Ask yourself: ‘how am I feeling about back to school?’ Then, write some of those things down. That can be really helpful in providing clarity.”

Once moms have a grip on their mental state, Semotok says they will be better equipped to aid their children. She says allowing one’s kids to express their preferences and fears can be a useful way to align expectations as September approaches.

“We don’t want to make assumptions about what our kids can manage,” she stresses.

Avoiding websites and social media platforms that sensationalize statistics or berate people who contract the virus is also vital in maintaining a positive outlook, offers Semotok.

“We absolutely have a choice of what we expose ourselves too. If we involve ourselves in negative dialogues online, that just feeds anxiety and makes managing a situation like this very difficult.”

On the contrary, she says keeping up to date with accurate information and focusing on supporting one another and speaking words of kindness will help make the transition easier.

“Anticipating change can help also reduce that anxiety,” she adds.

Sensing the challenging spot a lot of mothers are in right now, Semotok is offering a free webinar over Zoom to share advice and talk about practical ways of reducing stress. “Moms Empowering Moms” is the name of the series and Semotok says sessions will take place from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM for the next three Thursdays: August 20th, August 27th, and September 3rd.

Anyone interested in taking part is encouraged to email her directly at steph@lifecoachinwithsteph.ca.