In the early days of lockdown, when the thought of COVID-19 stretching into summer felt surreal, a friend of mine shared a poignant post on social media about the struggles of parenting without a support network. Her words struck a chord, emphasizing that no parent should have to navigate the challenges of raising children alone. She encouraged us to stay hopeful, as help would eventually come.
Her message resonated deeply with me. As a single parent managing two young children during those intense weeks of isolation, I was feeling overwhelmed and mentally drained. The demands of juggling remote work, homeschooling, and 24/7 parenting responsibilities had left me exhausted, and I knew I wasn’t giving my kids the best version of myself. I felt emotionally stretched and guilty for not being able to provide the nurturing they deserved.
I reassured myself that I could hold on until we reached a point where we could rely on teachers and friends again. I believed in the light at the end of the tunnel, but it turns out my optimism was misplaced. The reality is that we may be facing a prolonged period of living in a COVID-19 world.
As summer approaches, the prospect of solo parenting for many more months feels almost unbearable. I find myself struggling to balance my work with my kids’ need for activity and engagement. When the governor announced that day camps would be reopening, I felt an initial wave of relief. However, that was quickly followed by anxiety. Camps were opening not because the virus was gone, but due to a superficial benchmark being met. While local cases have decreased significantly, they are certainly not zero.
Navigating the space between relief and worry is particularly challenging when it comes to the well-being of my children. The advantages of sending them to camp are clear: they would gain social interaction, freedom, and I would get some much-needed respite, allowing me to be a better parent. Yet, the risks of COVID-19 loom large and are inescapable.
However, I recognized that the camp environment can be made safer. With outdoor activities, smaller groups, and frequent hygiene practices, the risks can be managed. Plus, when my kids return home, they won’t be around anyone at high risk—it’s just me. This perspective, which I never thought I would adopt, illustrates how much our lives have changed since the onset of the pandemic.
If I had certainty about the coming months—like a return to normalcy in schools by fall—I might feel more at ease. But the truth is, we don’t know what lies ahead. Schools could reopen or we might face further closures as the virus potentially resurges.
Deciding to send my children to day camp this summer feels like a way to prepare for the worst-case scenario. At least we would have a semblance of normalcy now, should we need to lock down again later.
Ultimately, my decision hinges on my true intentions. If I were to consider sending them to camp solely for my own benefit, I would reconsider. I have navigated difficult times with my kids before, and I can handle this pandemic alone as well.
Upon reflection, I realized that my choice is grounded in my children’s well-being. They deserve the chance to play outside with friends rather than being cooped up in front of screens while I work. The benefits of camp outweigh the risks, and taking this break will help me return to them as a more present and engaged mother. By choosing to send them to camp, I’m making a decision based on what’s best for them, and I can only do my best with the information I have right now.
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Summary
This article explores the challenges of solo parenting during the pandemic and the decision to send children to day camp for social interaction and a sense of normalcy. The author reflects on the balance between risks and benefits, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing children’s well-being while acknowledging the need for parental self-care.