In recent weeks, I’ve spent considerable time contemplating how I will discuss the COVID-19 pandemic with my children. It’s astonishing how this experience has shaped me, especially in my role as their mother. While my kids will undoubtedly have their own memories, I find myself pondering how I will convey my perspective on this transformative time.
I will certainly remember the overwhelming anxiety that washed over me as the world came to a standstill—schools were closed, social events were canceled, and local businesses shut their doors. Many nights, I found myself in tears, worrying about our health and the well-being of those around us.
I’ll never forget the tense grocery runs, donning masks and gloves, feeling a surge of fear about bringing the virus home. I recall the countless disinfecting wipes I used to sanitize every container and surface after unpacking items.
Then there were the snacks that became my comfort during this chaos, leading to an inevitable weight gain, alongside days spent in sweatpants and with little motivation to shower. Running emerged as my escape, a way to clear my mind, even though it wasn’t something I had initially intended to pursue.
Balancing work-from-home responsibilities with assisting my children with their schoolwork felt like an endless juggling act. Setting up Google classrooms in closets for conference calls while simultaneously tackling math problems was the new normal.
My heart aches when I think about how much I longed for the company of family and friends, as there’s simply no virtual substitute for a warm embrace. I will always remember the heartfelt prayers I sent out for the healthcare heroes risking their lives for others, as well as the profound sorrow for those who passed away alone, with only a digital farewell from loved ones.
I think back on the excessive screen time my kids endured and the dinners where we insisted they stayed with us at the table, even when they wished to be elsewhere. Rainy days trapped indoors stripped away our freedom to enjoy the outdoors, further amplifying the challenges of this time.
The most painful memories are of my children’s tears over missed moments—time with cousins, soccer games, and playground visits. Their sorrow serves as a reminder of how deeply this pandemic affected us all.
However, as their mother, I know I can choose how to frame these memories. I want to focus on the silver linings. I’ll share with them how fortunate we were to have time together as a family while staying safe at home, cherishing each moment.
I’ll remind them how grateful we were to have access to food and necessities, whether shopping in stores or online, even with some limitations. I’ll talk about letting go of my diet and embracing comfort over appearances, while running became a newfound habit to help clear my thoughts.
I will emphasize our gratitude for being able to work from home, especially when many faced job losses. Remote learning allowed them to continue their education and grow alongside us.
I’ll tell them how healthcare workers became our modern-day superheroes and how we learned to appreciate those serving us, from grocery store cashiers to delivery personnel.
We’ll reminisce about our Friday movie nights, the joy of playing games together on our new gaming console, and the creative activities we undertook—like board games, arts and crafts, and backyard projects.
I’ll highlight our dinner-time traditions, where we shared stories about our days, as well as the delightful times spent outdoors—jumping on the trampoline, cycling, and exploring nature.
It’s essential to convey that while we missed many things, we gained invaluable time together. Although moments of fear and overwhelm were present, the majority of our shared experiences were positive and memorable. Above all, I will remind my children that we were incredibly fortunate to be healthy, safe, and together during a global crisis, which truly matters in the end.
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In summary, the COVID-19 pandemic has been a challenging yet transformative time for families. By focusing on the positives and the lessons learned, we can create a narrative of resilience and gratitude for our children.