Beyond the Classroom
Joyce Lee
The Head of Design at Madewell and mother of two
on getting back to (home) school, finding those silver linings
and supporting each other in uncertain times.
on getting back to (home) school, finding those silver linings
and supporting each other in uncertain times.
As a working mother of two, what will the transition from Summer to Fall look like for you?
We are trying to savor the final days of Summer together – the beautiful late Summer weather, taking the kids outside as much as possible and enjoying the flexibility of our days. I have to say, it’s been so nice not having a school schedule for the past few months. It will definitely be a transition to get the kids into a groove of being “on time” for anything but it’s probably time to set the alarm clocks again!
We are trying to savor the final days of Summer together – the beautiful late Summer weather, taking the kids outside as much as possible and enjoying the flexibility of our days. I have to say, it’s been so nice not having a school schedule for the past few months. It will definitely be a transition to get the kids into a groove of being “on time” for anything but it’s probably time to set the alarm clocks again!
How old are Kai and Poppy? Will they be attending any form of school in the Fall? What will a day in the life look like?
Kai is 19 months, and Poppy is 5. Poppy will be starting Kindergarten this Fall, and we are awaiting her remote learning schedule. We love her school, and she transitioned seamlessly to remote learning in the Spring. Even though we are going fully remote for school this Fall, it will be great to have a reason to start a new routine – getting dressed and ready for the day with her new class. She loves any kind of arts and crafts, so we’ve stocked up her art supplies so she can keep busy with her projects. My big challenge will be for both Poppy and me to get more regular exercise into our days! We’ve been doing some yoga together which has been fun, now the trick will be getting it to stick.
Kai is 19 months, and Poppy is 5. Poppy will be starting Kindergarten this Fall, and we are awaiting her remote learning schedule. We love her school, and she transitioned seamlessly to remote learning in the Spring. Even though we are going fully remote for school this Fall, it will be great to have a reason to start a new routine – getting dressed and ready for the day with her new class. She loves any kind of arts and crafts, so we’ve stocked up her art supplies so she can keep busy with her projects. My big challenge will be for both Poppy and me to get more regular exercise into our days! We’ve been doing some yoga together which has been fun, now the trick will be getting it to stick.
What's the best part of your day?
I think seeing the kids wake up in the morning – especially now that I find the two of them together hanging out before I come in, but it is probably a close tie with when they are both asleep in bed! Time to finally decompress.
I think seeing the kids wake up in the morning – especially now that I find the two of them together hanging out before I come in, but it is probably a close tie with when they are both asleep in bed! Time to finally decompress.
Any fun ideas for how to improve on distance learning for the littlest ones?
I think it’s so important to connect with the kids on what it may look like, managing expectations and the reality, with also making it fun for them. Poppy’s Pre-K teacher was incredible with engaging with the kids – they had “Fancy Friday” where they all dressed up in whatever they wanted for the day, and allowed for self-expression. We are connecting with other families in the class who are also doing full remote learning to get the kids together ahead of their first day, so they can have more of a connection before they see each other on the other side of the screen.
I think it’s so important to connect with the kids on what it may look like, managing expectations and the reality, with also making it fun for them. Poppy’s Pre-K teacher was incredible with engaging with the kids – they had “Fancy Friday” where they all dressed up in whatever they wanted for the day, and allowed for self-expression. We are connecting with other families in the class who are also doing full remote learning to get the kids together ahead of their first day, so they can have more of a connection before they see each other on the other side of the screen.
What about back to school fashion? And school supplies? How are you approaching those things this year?
I am really excited to make this Fall as “normal” as possible for Poppy – she normally has a school uniform, but I think a nice hybrid is to make sure she gets dressed each day, and while it may be more flexible than her usual uniform, it’s about allowing her to dress herself, and get out of her PJ’s! She will be pleased that she gets to pick out her clothes – she’s not a huge fan of her school colors haha.
I am really excited to make this Fall as “normal” as possible for Poppy – she normally has a school uniform, but I think a nice hybrid is to make sure she gets dressed each day, and while it may be more flexible than her usual uniform, it’s about allowing her to dress herself, and get out of her PJ’s! She will be pleased that she gets to pick out her clothes – she’s not a huge fan of her school colors haha.
It has been such a crazy time and so many moms are struggling now! Is there anything from this moment that has surprised you or that you want to take with you? Any silver linings?
It’s been so challenging but the silver linings are definitely there – and it’s more about learning to allow yourself to take advantage of them! Even though I work full-time every day, there are some nice moments that allow me to be more present with my kids than I had in the past. Mornings feel a lot less hurried, so I’m enjoying the slower pace to the start of each day – more hugs, more unexpected moments in the day to spend together.
It’s been so challenging but the silver linings are definitely there – and it’s more about learning to allow yourself to take advantage of them! Even though I work full-time every day, there are some nice moments that allow me to be more present with my kids than I had in the past. Mornings feel a lot less hurried, so I’m enjoying the slower pace to the start of each day – more hugs, more unexpected moments in the day to spend together.
Any tips for balancing work/home/school all under one roof?
That’s the question! I think separation is key – whenever possible. Whether that means a physical door, or creating boundaries with the kids – it’s important and necessary. Being flexible and open to things happening with either school or work, is also realistic. I work with a lot of amazing working moms, and being supportive of how they each need to make it work, is part of the system. Also being understanding of the teachers! They are human, they have kids and families to balance too. We all need to support each other in these uncertain times.
That’s the question! I think separation is key – whenever possible. Whether that means a physical door, or creating boundaries with the kids – it’s important and necessary. Being flexible and open to things happening with either school or work, is also realistic. I work with a lot of amazing working moms, and being supportive of how they each need to make it work, is part of the system. Also being understanding of the teachers! They are human, they have kids and families to balance too. We all need to support each other in these uncertain times.
