How have you been coping since schools closed and many are working from home? It’s likely not every moment with your kids has been a joy. Being confined to the same space with the same people can be incredibly challenging.
While some individuals are striving to find silver linings during this pandemic, it’s unrealistic to expect parents to relish this extended time with their children. Yes, we love our kids dearly, but many of us would prefer to avoid such prolonged closeness in these circumstances. This situation is far from typical; it’s stressful and overwhelming.
Sure, some parents are adept at homeschooling while juggling work, but that’s a different experience altogether. Typically, these parents have the option to step outside without the looming fear of a virus. For countless others, navigating this unprecedented scenario is daunting, and it’s not an ideal environment. Attempting to capture cherished family moments while grappling with seventh-grade math and worrying about dwindling pantry supplies is hardly conducive to enjoying quality time.
We all need outlets—children included. They thrive on diverse interactions, changing environments, and socializing with friends and adults. My kids, for instance, are growing weary of my company. Other than their dad and his partner, they haven’t seen anyone else in person for weeks.
Keeping kids entertained, managing work responsibilities, and maintaining mental health is stretching many of us to our limits. Numerous friends have expressed feelings of inexplicable fatigue, questioning how they can feel so drained despite having fewer obligations. They aren’t running errands or attending school events, and they don’t even need to get dressed. Yet, the stress and anxiety from this pandemic make even basic tasks feel burdensome and exhausting. This fatigue is common, but it complicates the ability to enjoy time spent with kids. Sometimes, all you want to do is lie down and escape the chaos.
Irritability levels are soaring, and the usual ways we decompress have vanished. If you’re feeling guilty for not enjoying this time with your children, stop right there. No one wants to be in lockdown with anyone for an extended period, especially with those who know precisely how to test our patience, regardless of how much we love them.
Humans are inherently social and rely more on daily variations than we often recognize. We miss the casual conversations with baristas at our local coffee shop. We crave interactions and long to see people in real life. Our routines have been disrupted. Our kids are not just tired of us; they miss their friends, teachers, and the freedom to play outside.
Of course, we can appreciate having time with our kids, but it’s vital to acknowledge that most of us aren’t enjoying it. The kids are feeling cooped up and anxious, leading to friction in the home. We can be thankful for their health and for having some control over their exposure, while simultaneously recognizing how incredibly challenging this is.
Previously, we had various outlets—exercise classes, backyard playdates, dinner at our favorite restaurant, or girls’ nights out. All of that has been stripped away, and the forced confinement is taking a toll.
So, no, we aren’t relishing these moments; fear and uncertainty cloud our minds, and finding a new normal seems elusive for many of us. Even in the best of times, we need breaks and moments away from our families. Be kind to yourself and don’t feel obligated to love every minute of this time with your children. It doesn’t mean you don’t care for them; it simply reflects a longing for the normalcy that has been lost, and that’s perfectly okay.
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Summary:
This article discusses the challenges parents face while spending extended time at home with their children during the pandemic. It emphasizes that it’s okay to not enjoy every moment, given the stress and anxiety caused by the situation. Parents are encouraged to recognize their feelings and prioritize self-kindness rather than guilt.