How have you been holding up since schools closed and everyone shifted to remote work? I can bet you’re not cherishing every moment with your kids right now. Being confined within the same four walls, surrounded by the same faces, can be incredibly challenging.
While many people are striving to find silver linings during this pandemic—which is commendable—suggesting that parents should fully embrace this time with their children because it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience isn’t particularly helpful. Sure, we adore our kids, but let’s be honest: most of us are hoping we don’t face another stretch like this anytime soon. It’s simply not a normal situation; it’s overwhelming.
There are families who are experienced in homeschooling while balancing work, yet even they have a different reality—typically, they can leave their homes without the fear of a viral outbreak. For many of us, this is entirely new territory, and we’re not handling it as well as we’d like. Juggling 7th-grade math lessons while worrying about grocery supplies isn’t exactly conducive to enjoying family time.
Kids also need their own outlets. They’re used to interacting with friends and exploring different environments. I know my children are tired of seeing me as their sole companion. Aside from their dad, his girlfriend, and her daughter, they haven’t had any real-life interactions in weeks.
Keeping our kids entertained while managing work and our mental health is a tall order. I’ve spoken to numerous friends who feel an inexplicable fatigue despite doing less than their usual routines. They aren’t running errands or commuting, yet the stress from this situation makes even the most basic tasks feel exhausting. If you find yourself drained and unable to enjoy time with your kids, you’re not alone—this tiredness is driven by stress and is completely normal.
Tempers are flaring, and irritability is at an all-time high. Many of us have lost our usual outlets for stress relief. If you’re feeling guilty because you think you should be savoring this time at home with your kids, it’s time to let that notion go. Nobody wants to be confined with anyone for an extended period—especially those who know exactly how to push our buttons, no matter how much we love them.
We are social beings, and we thrive on the little interactions that break up our day. We miss casual chats with baristas, the energy of a bustling playground, or even just the comfort of a routine. Our kids are feeling this too; they miss their friends and activities as well.
While it’s important to appreciate some moments with our children, it’s unrealistic to expect that we’re enjoying it all—especially when our kids are also feeling anxious and cooped up. We can recognize our gratitude for their health and safety, while also acknowledging that this is incredibly tough.
In the past, we had outlets—be it exercise, playdates, or enjoying a meal out. Now, many of those options have been stripped away, and the enforced stay-at-home orders are weighing heavily on us.
So no, we won’t relish most of these moments, as fear and uncertainty loom large. We all need breaks from our families, even in the best of times. Be kind to yourself and don’t think for a second that you should be reveling in this extra time with your kids.
This doesn’t mean you don’t love them. It simply means you long for the normalcy of life and the opportunities that have been taken away. That realization makes you a wonderful parent.
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Summary
Navigating the challenges of extended time at home with children can be overwhelming. It’s okay to admit that not every moment is enjoyable, especially during a global crisis. Parents should prioritize their mental health and acknowledge that feeling stressed and fatigued is normal. Recognizing the need for breaks and understanding that longing for regular life does not diminish love for their kids is essential for maintaining well-being.
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