Today marked a pivotal moment for my resilient and independent daughter, Lily, who is nearly 11 years old. Throughout the past 67 days of quarantine, she had kept her emotions tightly bottled up since stepping out of her classroom for the last time on March 13. Finally, during this ninth week of isolation, she broke down, allowing her feelings to surface.
It all began after yet another squabble with her siblings, which left her feeling frustrated and overwhelmed. I could feel the tension escalating, and I became a bit of a “rage machine,” which didn’t help the situation at all. But then, in an unexpected moment of maturity, she came to find me in the kitchen, seeking to apologize. My heart swelled with love as she approached.
With tears welling in her eyes, she confessed, “I just wish I could be playing with my friends right now.” Her vulnerability pierced through my heart, and I wrapped her in a comforting hug. I reassured her that it was perfectly normal to feel sad and overwhelmed, especially during such uncertain times. After a heartfelt sob in my arms, she took a deep breath and stepped back.
“Don’t you feel better now?” I asked. “It’s okay to acknowledge how tough things are right now. But remember, this will pass, and we can look forward to better days. We can still connect with our friends through Zoom and have socially distanced visits with your grandparents.” She nodded, her eyes still glistening, and then asked if we could go for a drive together—a much-needed solo outing.
After a quick lunch and some playful chaos with her siblings, we hopped into the car. She created a musical playlist, and we headed out, marking one of her first excursions to a store in months, where she would pick out a special birthday outfit for next week.
Our time in the car was nothing short of magical. We sang, danced, and shared laughter, creating a carefree atmosphere that felt like a breath of fresh air. Lily recounted how nice it was to visit her grandparents the previous day, even if it wasn’t the same as before. Just being in their presence had brought her comfort.
As we drove, I reflected on all the important moments she was missing out on, especially her upcoming graduation from elementary school. I was amazed at how long it took her to open up about her feelings but grateful for this precious opportunity to connect.
Once our errands were finished, I asked her how she felt. Did she feel rejuvenated and ready to return home? To my delight, she did. We both felt a sense of lightness, as if a weight had been lifted. It’s hard to express how proud I am of her for embracing her emotions and allowing me to guide her through this difficult period.
As we gradually move toward reopening and adjusting to new norms, it’s vital to pay attention to how these changes impact our children’s mental health. Let’s keep our hearts and minds open to our kids and encourage them to share their thoughts and feelings without hesitation. For more insights on helping children cope, check out this excellent resource on infertility and pregnancy.
In summary, that car ride not only allowed us to bond but also gave Lily a chance to express herself in a safe space. It reminded me of the importance of being present for our kids during these trying times.