As my family has embraced social isolation for nearly three weeks in response to COVID-19, I’ve noticed significant changes in our daily routine. With the pandemic prompting a shelter-in-place order, we find ourselves at home full-time as my partner and I juggle remote work while caring for our four children. This unexpected shift has compelled us to reconsider what we value and enjoy, revealing how busy life had previously overshadowed simple pleasures.
Sure, this period has brought its share of challenges. Living in close quarters with six people is a new experience, requiring us to establish ground rules and a routine that accommodates our new reality. The previous version of our lives—free from the shadow of a global health crisis—has vanished. We’ve had to cultivate a new family dynamic, and while there have been emotional outbursts and disagreements, one positive outcome of this social isolation has been our rediscovery of forgotten joys.
Savoring Family Meals Together
We’ve started enjoying meals at our dining table, the one we purchased with the intention of gathering around it nightly. Instead of relegating it to special occasions, we’ve committed to sitting down together. Recently, we prepared a homemade dinner, complete with cloth napkins and real dishes, while jazz played softly in the background. For thirty whole minutes, we savored steak, roasted sweet potatoes, and brussels sprouts—a remarkable feat for our family of six, who typically rush through meals at the kitchen bar. The kids were so thrilled that they asked if we could have “fancy” dinners more often.
Game Nights Are Back
We’ve also rekindled our love for card and board games. Yes, you read that right! No screens, no online distractions—just classic games like Uno and Sorry! We gather on the living room floor, indulging in homemade snacks as we play, reminiscent of family nights from the 1980s. While it takes patience to wait for the youngest to play their turn, the experience fosters connection over shared laughter and friendly competition, reinforcing social skills like taking turns and encouraging one another.
Nostalgic Movie Nights
One of the highlights has been introducing my kids to movies from my own childhood. We started with Richie Rich and moved on to classics like Family Matters, Honey, I Shrunk the Kids, and Hook. Watching these films together has created a wonderful bond as my children experience them for the first time. Next on our list is Sister Act—who doesn’t love a musical with nuns?
Embracing the Outdoors
With the kids at home all day, we can go outside whenever we want. Recess is now a daily occurrence! The fresh air works wonders for their moods, providing an outlet for any pent-up energy. Whether dealing with crankiness, boredom, or simply needing a break from school work, we head outside for relief and fun.
Rediscovering Forgotten Toys and Books
After the holiday season, many toys and books were quickly forgotten, tucked away as the kids returned to school. Now that we’re home, they’re rediscovering those gifts from family members. I’ve encouraged them to swap books with each other as if they were in a library, fostering sharing and creativity. It feels like a second Christmas!
Getting Active Together
The other day, feeling overwhelmed by family time versus work commitments, I turned to a YouTube yoga class for a quick break. To my surprise, my tween joined in, and we both found calm in the midst of chaos. This has led to various family workouts, including running races, bike rides, and even obstacle courses. Exercising together has proven to be a fantastic way to boost our moods and behaviors, helping us cope with the stress of our new normal.
While this period of social isolation is far from perfect, revisiting activities that spark joy has greatly improved our family’s dynamic. These moments of happiness are precisely what we need to navigate these challenging times.
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