A Year Into the Pandemic: How Our Parenting Has Evolved

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Since the onset of stay-at-home orders in March 2020, discussions have emerged about the various ways the pandemic has transformed us—both as parents and as a community.

The more apparent changes in parenting are easy to spot. Screen time restrictions quickly vanished amidst remote learning, and the boundaries between work and home life blurred significantly. Our complex feelings towards virtual interactions intensified as well.

While it’s evident that the pandemic has impacted everyone, the shifts might not align with what one would typically expect. Many parents found value in the pandemic’s slower pace, choosing to maintain this even as society began to reopen. However, not every family shares this sentiment.

Different Realizations

For instance, Laura, a mother of three, shared with us that her family experienced a different realization. “We were already a pretty laid-back family with minimal scheduling,” she explained. “But we discovered that we are actually more extroverted than we thought. Now that things are opening, we’re embracing more activities than before; we no longer view social interactions as a burden.”

Technology and Screen Time

Our relationship with technology also grew more intricate. While some parents loosened screen time rules, they still sought to establish creative boundaries. Mark, a father of two from a Chicago suburb, mentioned, “I allow a fair amount of screen time and don’t strictly monitor TV hours. However, I have a rule: no screens until after 2 PM, and they must tidy their rooms for 10 minutes first.”

Interestingly, some families have found a balance between screen use and offline activities. “I’ve become more lenient with screen time,” said Sarah, a divorced mom of three from Connecticut. “Yet, as a family, we’ve engaged in more screen-free activities like neighborhood walks and dance parties. I’ve become a more imaginative and proactive parent, organizing traditional fun activities.”

Deeper Connections

One of the most positive outcomes of the pandemic has been the opportunity to connect with our children on a deeper level. A colleague recently mentioned how the pandemic brought his adult children back home for an extended period, allowing for a unique bonding experience. Other parents echoed this sentiment, noting a heightened awareness of their children’s emotional needs. “I’ve become more attuned to their feelings,” said Jessica, a mother of two teens from Texas. “I give them space to process their emotions and have become more sensitive to our emotional dynamics.”

Jessica also noted that this emotional awareness was aided by a slower lifestyle. “I used to be an obsessive planner, but now I find it difficult to think beyond a few days. I often anticipate potential setbacks, yet it surprisingly doesn’t stress me out,” she said.

Reevaluating Priorities

Regardless of how the pandemic may have reshaped our parenting styles or priorities, one truth remains: we’ve proven our ability to tackle challenges. When we strip away external pressures, we realize the importance of focusing on what genuinely benefits our families.

For me, the pandemic didn’t alter my priorities but rather led me back to my core parenting beliefs. I’ve always valued the idea of encouraging my kids to explore the world independently, akin to a free-range parenting approach. The pandemic made me overly cautious, enforcing strict rules about social interactions. Now, as circumstances improve, I’m relieved to return to a parenting style that aligns with my values.

The same applies to my overall priorities. The pandemic led me to falsely believe I desired things that I don’t actually want. Living at home made me crave a larger, more luxurious space and a high-powered career. However, that was just “pandemic me” talking. The truth is, I long for simplicity—a cozy home, traveling, and spending quality time with loved ones. These desires have remained consistent, and the pandemic was merely a distraction from my authentic self.

It is undeniable that we emerge from the pandemic changed, but I hope everyone finds clarity about what their families truly need moving forward.

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Summary:

The pandemic has significantly altered parenting styles, with some families embracing a slower lifestyle while others have discovered a newfound appreciation for social interactions. Many parents have become more attuned to their children’s emotional needs, leading to deeper connections. The experience has prompted a reevaluation of personal priorities, with many hoping to emerge from the pandemic with a clearer understanding of what their families genuinely need.