Meet David: Manager, network and data center operations, dad of two children, ages 8 and 11

“We have suggested to our kids to try and use the tech to make a movie or to build with Legos – things that require them to imagine and create.”

David Shaffer, manager, network and data center operations

• What do you do at HACC?
  I manage the operation of the network collegewide.
   
• How old are your children?
  11 and 8
   
• How are you effectively juggling your professional duties and your personal duties of having your children at home while you work?
  My wife and I have both had to work from home during this coronavirus pandemic. We’ve tried hard to keep our kids on a schedule, but there are still things they need throughout the day. Their teachers have provided worksheets and some have offered online social sessions for the kids using technology similar to what HACC is using. We have also used Zoom for family meetings, and they use facetime and other methods to virtually play with their friends.
   
  • We have also asked that they help by doing some chores around the house during the day – things that they might otherwise do in the evenings. I feel bad for them because unlike the parents who have a job and something to do for the majority of the day, their time should be occupied by being in school and is now one of social isolation. At times, they can’t come up with things to keep themselves busy. And so, the occasional brother and sister fighting occurs. Then we have to step in a separate.
  • We have encouraged them to do what they can to stay active. The weather hasn’t been helpful, but they do get out to ride their bicycles when the weather is nice. And while we encourage them to see their friends, it is hard to play with them. Both do understand the seriousness of what is happening in the world, and, like their parents, are tired of hearing about it. And so, we make the best with the situation as we can.
     
• What tips (things to do and things to not do) would you offer to other parents who are struggling with this?
  If the kids have access to technology, Zoom meetings with family and friends have been interesting. I’ve found that my 11-year-old daughter seems to really love the tech. She has been using Zoom for about two weeks with her teacher at school. But she figured out how to change her online name, how to use the whiteboard, change backgrounds, etc. Her brother usually follows her lead, but he’s good with the technology too. I’ve been amazed by watching and listening to my kids as they navigate all of the tech that we have access to. Both enjoy watching TV on their iPads. We have had to restrict that somewhat to more educational activities.
  
  Some of their neighborhood friends have been made to do reports for their parents, who have recorded them and put them online for others to watch. I have found this to be an interesting approach. That works for them because of how their parents’ jobs work. We don’t have that same dynamic. But we have suggested to our kids to try and use the tech to make a movie or to build with Legos – things that require them to imagine and create.
  
  We have also asked the kids to do more reading – and they seem to like doing this online as well. And for playtime, it’s been playing video games online with friends. It isn’t the same, but it has worked so far.
   
• Is there anything else you would like to share that we did not ask?
  I’ve realized that you really need to take some time for you. If you are in a house with family members, that may mean carving out some alone time. I recently had to drive to the pharmacy to pick up some medication, and you’d have thought I was just sprung from prison! It was my first time alone in over two weeks, and it was lovely. Similarly, if you live alone, you may need to carve out some time for connection with others. Call up your friends for a chat or Zoom session and connect. The point is to stay in touch with what you need to mentally and emotionally deal with this extended situation. You can't take care of anyone else if you haven't taken care of you!