Our Family’s Quarantine Experience in Italy: Four Weeks and Counting

I’m a lifelong New Yorker who has called Milan, Italy home for the past 15 years. As a full-time working mother of two girls aged 3 and 5, and married to an amazing Italian man, my life is a whirlwind of family life and career commitments.

As the COVID-19 pandemic began to escalate in the U.S., many friends, family members, and former colleagues reached out to inquire about our daily lives, how we’re managing, and even for some advice for their own futures. While responding to individual messages, I felt compelled to share our journey with a broader audience.

Am I a health expert? Absolutely not. A parenting pro? Far from it. A crisis management specialist? Nope. Like many of you, I’m navigating this moment in time, but I have a few weeks of experience and restrictions to draw from. Here’s a glimpse into our life in Italy, along with some practical and emotional tips for anyone who might find them useful. Perspectives differ, and you may resonate with some of my thoughts while others might not sit well.

The Rapid Shift

Our lives changed dramatically just four weeks ago. It all started with a spontaneous decision on a Saturday to escape to the Piemonte region for an overnight trip. With carnevale festivities in full swing, we packed our costumes and headed out for a weekend adventure. While enjoying a lavish meal at a farmhouse that Sunday, our phones began buzzing incessantly. By the end of lunch, we found ourselves arranging babysitters for the following day.

And then the numbers began to climb.

Two days later, I was working from home as an elementary art teacher, juggling my work and the needs of my two little ones. Schools and government buildings in Milan had closed, which felt drastic but necessary. For the next fortnight, I was home with my kids, homeschooling my oldest through distance learning while finding ways to keep my younger daughter engaged with “homework.”

Simultaneously, I was engaged in my own distance teaching, crafting lessons, attending virtual meetings, and responding to emails from parents and students. It felt surreal, almost as if this wouldn’t last long. Life in Milan continued cautiously but steadily. My husband still commuted to the city center for work, while restaurants and cafes bustled, and parks overflowed with children enjoying their unexpected time off school. Even though my exercise classes were canceled, I still reached out to our babysitter for some respite, justifying it as a necessary break.

But the numbers kept rising.

The Inner Turmoil

As the situation escalated, so did our internal conflicts. Should we still go out for lunch? Should we seize the moment before potential lockdowns? Is it safe to visit our elderly relatives? My niece’s birthday was approaching, and we didn’t want to miss celebrating. Should we invite friends over? What if one of us is asymptomatic? The anxiety spiraled deeper.

Day by day, changes became more pronounced. Masks and gloves became commonplace, businesses began shutting down, and restaurants modified their hours. Last Sunday, while trying to secure a refund for our Easter flight to rent a lakeside apartment, our options vanished. A nationwide lockdown was announced. Stay home. Everything was closed. Only one person allowed in grocery stores. Here we go.

The rapid changes outside contrasted sharply with our slower-paced home life. These weeks have tested us, and I know that each new day will present fresh challenges. Yet, we are safe and healthy at home, truly fortunate while the real heroes—medical professionals and emergency responders—risk their lives daily. We all have a role to play, and even as I remain physically stationary, I feel engaged in a larger mission.

Guidelines to Navigate Quarantine Life

Reflecting on the past weeks, here are some practices that have helped us, particularly for parents suddenly thrust into working from home with young children. This is what has worked for us, and while it may not suit everyone, it might offer some guidance as you forge your own path.

Allow Yourself a Slow Start: It’s okay to take a break during the first couple of days of quarantine. Use it like a snow day—let everyone lounge in pajamas, skip baths, and watch TV as you adjust to this new reality.
Establish a Routine: Once you’ve settled in, set a daily schedule. Regular wake-up and bedtime, meal times, and activity breaks will help maintain a sense of normalcy.
Communicate with Your Partner: Have a morning or evening “meeting” to discuss the day’s plans, meal prep, and responsibilities, especially if you’re both working from home.
Use Timers: Implement timers for tasks, especially for schoolwork. Visual aids like sand timers can help children focus and manage time better.
Incorporate Movement Breaks: Have dance parties, do yoga, or engage in fun workouts. We often watch engaging yoga sessions that are perfect for kids.
Make Your Kids Helpers: Involve them in household chores to instill responsibility. My daughter has started making her own breakfast, and it’s been a game-changer for our family dynamics.
Limit News Consumption: Avoid watching the news during the day to keep the atmosphere positive. If group chats become overwhelming, don’t hesitate to mute notifications.
Get Creative: Use this time to create together—art, music, and crafts can be calming and bring your family closer.
Find Your Space: Designate a “time-out” space for yourself and your partner to recharge when needed.
Seek Laughter: Watch comedies or light-hearted shows to lift spirits and foster joy in the midst of uncertainty.

Finding the Silver Linings

During this challenging time, I’ve noticed some beautiful moments:

I’ve developed a deeper understanding of my children, sharing more meaningful interactions than ever before.
My kids have become closer friends, learning to navigate conflicts and play together.
My husband and I have united as a team, creating cherished memories while establishing positive habits for our family.
Slowing down has allowed us to appreciate the little victories, like shared meals and quiet moments of connection.

While the world grapples with uncertainty, our family has discovered strengths we didn’t know we had. For more insights on parenting and creating a bond during these times, consider checking out this resource on female infertility or explore tips on quality family time. For those interested in home insemination, this guide can provide valuable information.

Summary

Navigating the complexities of quarantine life in Italy has been an eye-opening experience for our family. From establishing routines to finding joy in the small moments, we’ve learned to adapt and grow together. While the challenges are significant, the silver linings remind us of the beauty in resilience and connection.