I often find myself wishing my children had activities outside our home—perhaps a sports practice, a birthday celebration, a study session at a café, or a dance class. I long for my husband to spend a morning on the golf course. I yearn for more than just practicing piano tunes from La La Land, searching for family-friendly movies (which seems impossible), and preparing meals for the six of us stuck in this house.
Yet, I also cherish the calm that comes with an unoccupied calendar. Let’s be honest—hitting “delete event” on all those scheduled items felt liberating, didn’t it? Our weekends are now blank canvases, allowing us to gather for dinner without anyone rushing off to a meeting, homework, or late-night shows.
This newfound time creates a space for meaningful conversations, just as we would when hosting guests. Our discussions hold weight since they’re the primary interactions we’re having. We often share memes and quotes about prioritizing the people who matter most in our lives, and now, we’re actually living that truth.
Despite spending countless hours with my family during the quarantine, I find it challenging to remain fully engaged. My thoughts drift, and I miss the structure that busyness provided. However, I can’t envision returning to the chaos of constant running around.
It’s no secret what coaches and instructors think about parents who over-schedule their kids: “It’s simpler for a parent to offload their child’s needs on others rather than dealing with them directly.” A child with a packed schedule often has only brief moments at home to inhale dinner and zone out in front of a screen before bed—leaving little room for meaningful exchanges.
Childhood anxiety is on the rise, and many pediatric experts suggest that over-scheduling contributes to this trend. If your child has ADHD or is particularly challenging, you’re probably an exhausted parent in need of a break. A simplified schedule can significantly alleviate behaviors associated with ADD/ADHD.
Child psychologist Kim Payne, author of Simplicity Parenting, conducted a study that revealed a remarkable transformation: within four months, 67% of children with ADD improved from being clinically dysfunctional to functional, and 37% experienced enhanced academic performance—all because of a slower pace and fewer activities.
The pandemic has provided a unique opportunity to press “pause” on our frantic lives. During this time, kids aren’t being shuttled from one adult-led activity to another, forcing them to navigate challenges independently. As Lenore Skenazy and Peter Gray pointed out in the New York Post, “Kids are solving new problems, adapting, and learning resilience because they have no choice.”
I miss the presence of strangers, casual acquaintances, and the community that comes with socializing. I miss connecting with other parents at events. As my friend Lucy said, “It’s incredible how lonely I can feel while longing for solitude.” Our families can’t fulfill all our social needs.
I believe it truly “Takes a Village” to raise a child, and I miss that support network. However, I don’t miss the frenzied schedules and relentless running around. Given the chance to revert to our previous normal, I’m not sure I would want to.
For more insights on parenting and the importance of balance, check out this other blog post. You can also find expert advice on the matter at Intracervical Insemination and Facts About Fertility.
In summary, while the quarantine has forced us to slow down and reflect on our hectic lives, it has also highlighted the importance of meaningful connections and the benefits of a less chaotic existence.