Updated: April 6, 2021
Two writers from our team, Mia and Sarah, share their unique experiences navigating the challenges of the pandemic and the choices they made to adapt.
Mia, Northeastern Mom of Three
I’m a mother of three, with twin daughters who just started kindergarten and a fourteen-year-old son who entered 9th grade—both significant milestones. My role as a full-time program director for a nonprofit in New York City shifted entirely to remote work. My partner, Raj, a hospital chaplain, returned to work, often caring for COVID-19 patients. By summer, I found myself overwhelmed by a new level of mental fatigue. Managing our children’s remote learning, coordinating meetings for my son’s educational needs, and keeping track of their assignments became a daunting task. To break the monotony, we dared to make trips to the grocery store and Target, often opting for hikes to spend time outdoors. We learned to coexist with the pandemic and make the best of our situation.
Sarah, Southern Mom of Three
I have three boys, ages seven, eight, and eleven, who have always been homeschooled. My husband works as a public school teacher, and his transition to remote teaching came swiftly. Understanding the pandemic would be a prolonged struggle, we invested in a trampoline and an above-ground pool in April. Living in a state with one of the highest COVID-19 rates, we faced unmasked crowds and a local homeschooling community that often ignored CDC guidelines. Consequently, my kids have had limited interactions outside of our home, with only a couple of trips to stores, where we frequently had to remind people about social distancing.
Mia: Hygiene Practices
I’ve always been diligent about cleanliness, carrying hand sanitizer long before it became a norm. We keep large bottles in both cars and sanitize our kids’ hands as soon as they get into the vehicle. At home, their clothes go straight into the washer, and they shower immediately. We provide them with fresh masks each day. My partner follows the same routine upon returning home from the hospital. Even family outings require us to change clothes and shower right away—so far, we have avoided the virus.
Sarah: Hygiene Practices
Previously, I was the type of parent who believed in the five-second rule and often joked about dirt. However, the pandemic shifted my perspective entirely. We went as far as sanitizing our mail, but we’ve since relaxed our approach, trusting sunlight and fresh air to do their part. When we do venture indoors, we keep visits brief and ensure proper ventilation, but my kids don’t change clothes. My husband, who has returned to in-person teaching, goes directly to the shower after work.
Mia: Grocery Shopping
I adapted to using grocery delivery services during the pandemic, a significant shift from my previous habits. Frustration with long lines in the cold led me to explore apps like Amazon Prime, which allowed me to shop with a few clicks. I found comfort in knowing that this method helped someone else earn a living while ensuring my family was fed.
Sarah: Grocery Shopping
With so many individuals disregarding mask protocols in our area, our grocery shopping has been restricted to quick trips during off-peak hours. We rely on delivery for larger orders, despite the extra cost. We make sure to tip generously, recognizing the risks these workers take to provide for our families.
Mia: Educational Choices
Both my partner and I understand the value of education, especially for our mixed-race children. Raj’s work as a chaplain reassured us about sending our kids back to school, as he had not interacted with any children during the pandemic. Our school district keeps us informed about infection rates, and strict safety measures are in place, including mask breaks and no visitors allowed on campus.
Sarah: Educational Choices
Homeschooling remained our constant, but my husband’s role in public education brought its own stresses. We faced anxiety over safety measures, especially as COVID-19 exposure became a reality. Thankfully, his classroom now has ventilation systems, and he has received the vaccine.
Mia:
Ultimately, we feel we made the right decisions for our family. Our children require a supportive community outside of our home, which plays a crucial role in their growth. As summer approaches, we are planning activities while remaining vigilant about safety.
Sarah:
We believe we’ve made the best choices for our family. My kids have faced isolation, yet they’ve learned that staying home can make a significant impact on others’ lives. Our bond has grown stronger, and I’m proud of their resilience. We maintain connections with family through Zoom and social media, but it’s been a challenging journey. We recognize our privilege, having the means to stay home and provide comfort during these times.
For further insights, check out this blog post and explore first-month milestones for more information. Additionally, News-Medical offers excellent resources on pregnancy and home insemination.
Summary:
Mia and Sarah, two mothers from different regions, illustrate the varied ways families have responded to the challenges of the pandemic. While Mia embraced remote learning and adapted to grocery shopping through delivery services, Sarah maintained a strict approach to safety, relying on homeschooling and minimizing external interactions. Both highlight the importance of community and education during these unprecedented times, showcasing the diverse paths families have taken in navigating the pandemic.