When faced with a problem, we all need to think about how to find the win-win solution.
Last year when schools went online due to the pandemic, I urged colleagues and administrators to take a win-win approach. I urged them to identify the silver linings and work for the strengths possible. Yet, too many, simply tried to squish a new reality into an old, outdated model of learning and teaching. It was discouraging at best, and still when it comes to schools and childcare, I think the solutions out there lack imagination, creativity, and modern-day thinking/knowledge.
I wanted to transport my grade-level to a farm or unused summer camp for the year. I thought it was a great opportunity to maximize tech and environmental education skills and knowledge. I envisioned running a classroom that spent most of the day together outdoors and the time at home learning and maximizing tech tools for optimal learning. Rather than a year of dreadful constraints, I envisioned a year of exploration and adventure. My ideas were discounted early on, and rather than work in what I felt were unsafe conditions, I retired.
Now, I'm meeting another challenge in life, a challenge that I have more control over. It's a challenge related to the care of a loved one. What win-win solutions can we find. How can we make what appears to be an arduous situation, pleasant, warm, and loving?
First, I'm learning a lot about the situation by reading all I can. I've also begun to prep the stage for care with my siblings and father, and we beginning to draft the kinds of routines that make life comfortable, warm, and as good as possible. Further, my family history project is a great match for this care in so many ways because it spurs the exchange of countless good stories, fond memories, and life lessons.
In every situation, rather than pitting people against each other, we can look for solutions that help everyone live a better life. It won't be perfect, but the win-win solution is certainly better than decisions that discredit, ignore, and harm some in favor of others.