When my local schools announced a two-week closure in March due to the COVID-19 outbreak, I immediately snapped a picture of my kids and texted it to my sister with the caption, “I’m not sure I can handle this.” My oldest was sprawled on the couch in his boxers, while my youngest lay on the floor, both glued to their screens with dishes scattered across the living room. They were thrilled about their unexpected “vacation.” I, on the other hand, was less than enthusiastic.
Juggling work and helping them with online classes felt daunting. This wasn’t a summer break; they still had schoolwork to tackle, and I knew I’d have to step in with some, let’s say, vocal encouragements to keep them on track and prevent them from devouring every snack in sight.
The initial weeks were challenging, and many of my friends and family echoed my struggles. However, around week five, something shifted. We realized that our family was all we had for the foreseeable future. We could either embrace it or let it overwhelm us. That realization brought us closer together, and studies indicate many families experienced similar bonding during this time.
Now, as we slowly transition back to normalcy—venturing out with masks and avoiding crowded spaces—there are certain habits we’ve adopted during quarantine that we plan to keep. One major change was committing to having dinner together every night when the kids are with me (I share custody with their father). With their social lives and extracurricular activities on hold, we found the time to breathe and connect. My three teenagers also appreciate this shift, and we all agree it’s a lovely tradition to maintain.
I don’t always whip up elaborate meals; sometimes, we just grab what we feel like and gather around the table. When salons were closed, my daughter took it upon herself to trim my hair and even helped with coloring and styling. Now that salons have reopened, I’ve chosen to stick with her skills since she’s practically a hairdresser in training and does an impressive job.
With fewer commitments, I often wrap up my work by Friday noon, allowing us to drive a half-hour to the nearest Chipotle for lunch. It has become a cherished routine, enjoying our burritos and chicken bowls in the car—a simple pleasure that adds a bit of adventure to our week.
Our weekday lunches have become more enjoyable as well. Instead of hastily eating at the kitchen sink, I’ve started grilling or making delicious wonton soup. I can’t imagine going back to rushed lunches now that I’ve experienced the joy of taking my time to enjoy a meal.
I’ve also noticed my kids engaging in deeper conversations while they participate in remote learning. They share their dreams—my daughter once told me about a dream where she was feeding baby zebras cucumbers. My son, the resident COVID-19 expert, keeps everyone updated on the latest statistics. They’ve even discovered a mother chipmunk with babies in our backyard, something we might have missed in our previous busy lives.
Rather than dreading chores like washing the car or planting bulbs, my kids eagerly pitch in to help. This newfound teamwork has allowed us to enjoy more family game nights—something we might not have explored without the slow down enforced by the pandemic.
The quarantine experience turned out differently than I initially feared. While I longed for life before COVID-19, I now find myself appreciating the newfound closeness that has emerged from this challenging time. Although I look forward to certain pre-pandemic routines returning, I wouldn’t trade the special moments we’ve created for anything.
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Summary:
The quarantine experience during the COVID-19 pandemic unexpectedly strengthened family bonds for many, including Jamie and her three teenagers. By committing to shared meals, engaging in fun activities, and supporting one another through remote learning, they discovered the joys of slowing down and spending quality time together. As life begins to return to normal, they are determined to hold onto the meaningful connections forged during this challenging time.