As we approach week six of our family lockdown, I find myself reflecting on this journey. While family and friends in New York are just starting their quarantined lives, we’re entrenched in a strict government lockdown here in Italy. The measures are more stringent than ever, and they are warranted. Gone are the days of leisurely jogs, bike rides, or quick walks to the market for a breather. Violating these restrictions can lead to hefty fines, and our only solace comes from our balcony, which we cherish deeply. It looks like we’re in for the long haul.
My partner ventures out weekly for essentials, donned in a mask and stripping down at the door before heading straight for the shower, tossing his clothes into the wash. The doorman now kicks our packages to us from a safe distance. The kids have stopped asking to go outside, and while balcony music still plays, we don’t rush out with our tambourines every night anymore. Some evenings, we choose not to join in at all. The cheerful rainbow drawings that once adorned our balconies are starting to fade, both in color and spirit. Nonetheless, we remain safe, healthy, and surrounded by love, a mantra I repeat daily, even as the outside world grows more troubling.
Although the silver linings may not shine as brightly as before, they’re still present, along with newfound realizations as this situation unfolds. My friends and family, both near and far, have provided immense support, and my partner has been a rock throughout this ordeal. However, it’s my children—my own little ones and the remarkable kids I teach—who inspire me to stay strong, positive, and focused.
For my daughters, my partner and I are their entire universe right now. From dawn until dusk, we are their primary source of interaction, aside from YouTube. They absorb our words, tones, and expressions. Keeping this in mind is crucial as we navigate our days. Yet, I won’t pretend I handle everything perfectly.
I’m no expert in parenting, health, or crisis management; I’m simply trying to get through this like the rest of you, albeit with a few more weeks (and restrictions) under my belt. Below are some insights and activities we’ve discovered that may help others, particularly those parents who suddenly find themselves working from home with young children. While this may not resonate with everyone, I hope it offers practical and emotional support to those in similar situations.
Do Your Best, But Accept What You Can Achieve
This is particularly challenging for those of you who strive for perfection. It’s okay if you don’t complete every single item on your kids’ daily school agenda. Some days, we can’t fit in math exercises, sight word practices, and special subjects. We’re balancing two parents working from home while managing kindergarten lessons and minimizing our three-year-old’s screen time. We juggle meals, cleaning, and family fun. Some days are successful, and I feel like a superstar; other days, it’s a complete mess. Emotions run high in normal circumstances, so it’s only natural they’re amplified in our current environment. I remind myself to be kind to myself at the day’s end.
Focus on Teaching Life Skills
In addition to traditional subjects like reading and math, school instills invaluable life lessons: cooperation, patience, and social interaction. Try to emphasize these at home. We’ve initiated a question game during mealtime, where each family member takes turns asking a question (the favorite being “What’s your favorite animal?”), allowing others to raise their hands and wait to be called on. It’s a fun way to encourage conversation and practice manners. Board games are great for teaching turn-taking, and assigning “helpers” for daily chores fosters a sense of community within the family.
Get Creative with Meals
I’m not here to provide gourmet recipes; cooking has never been my forte. Instead, let’s focus on meal sustainability. Preparing three meals a day for a family can be overwhelming, so we opt for recipes that yield leftovers. Grocery shopping used to be a fun outing for my partner and the kids, but now it involves long lines, limited supplies, and health risks. We plan meals that can be easily recycled, reducing the need for frequent store trips. Kids often dislike leftovers, but I’ve discovered that presenting them creatively, like turning taco meat into a pot pie or repurposing leftover rice into a frittata, can make them exciting. We’ve also adopted fun meal traditions like taco night or pizza night, which give our week some structure.
Don’t Rush to Declutter
With plenty of time on our hands in our possibly cluttered homes, you might think now is the perfect opportunity to declutter. My advice—take it easy. You may be keen to organize your belongings, but when it comes to your children’s things, tread carefully. If they’re initiating the cleanup, great! But clearing out their items for your own peace of mind might not be wise. Their belongings hold significant meaning during these uncertain times. Allow them to maintain some familiarity, even if it’s a plastic toy from a fast-food meal. Interestingly, my kids are rediscovering toys they had forgotten about, and this can lead to valuable lessons in gratitude.
Embrace the Release of Screaming
This isn’t a typo. A friend reminded me that screaming can be a healthy outlet. Tensions can escalate at home, especially during the late afternoons. Gather the family for a two-minute scream session—put on some music to muffle the sound if needed. We’ve even taken to belting out songs instead of just screaming, which adds a fun twist!
Keep Asking, “What Do You Want to Do This Weekend?”
Traditionally, this was our go-to question on Friday nights or Saturday mornings. Now, the answer is rather obvious. In the early weeks of quarantine, I was so focused on completing tasks during the week that I felt overwhelmed by the unstructured weekends. As time passes, our weekdays have begun to blend. Save fun projects for the weekends to provide organized activities for your kids, and consider reserving a non-urgent work task for yourself as well.
Appreciate the Simple Moments
Remember the joy of mundane tasks during the newborn phase? I’ve taken to enjoying the simplest of moments, like a long, hot shower (with the door locked and some nostalgic R&B playing). In the past, I would rush through my shower, but now I take my time. Enjoying these moments is essential for our well-being.
Inject Goofiness into Routine
Remember the fun of Peewee’s Playhouse? We’ve integrated a “word of the day” into our family routine, where we all scream whenever someone utters the secret word. It’s a silly way to keep spirits high. We even jot down the secret word and daily tasks on a chalkboard, reminiscent of the morning greetings kids receive at school.
Get Creative with Art
At this point, you may be tired of Pinterest crafts. I’m not here to suggest elaborate projects; instead, I believe in the importance of creativity, especially for children during challenging times. Provide them basic art supplies, like paper and watercolors, and let them explore their creativity. I’ve noticed an uptick in student artwork since we transitioned to online learning. It’s not due to my teaching prowess but rather the need for creative expression.
Shield Your Kids from Excessive Worry
While it’s important to embrace teachable moments, this is a scary time. My older daughter and I have had important discussions about serious topics, but right now, my children don’t need to know every detail about the ongoing crisis. They understand that many people are unwell, and we’re staying home until it’s safe to go out. If your family is directly affected, of course, address it with care, but do consider how much information is truly necessary.
In summary, navigating quarantine has been a journey filled with challenges and insights. Embracing creativity, focusing on life skills, and being gentle with ourselves and our children are vital as we adapt to this new reality. For more related content, check out this article on technology and fertility, or visit this resource for valuable information about pregnancy and home insemination.