When schools in my area were shut down for two weeks back in March due to the COVID-19 outbreak, I sent a snapshot of my kids to my sister with the caption, “I’m not going to make it through this.” My eldest was lounging on the couch in his boxers, shirtless, while my youngest sprawled on the floor. Both were glued to their screens, and our living room was littered with bowls and utensils from their late-night snacking adventures. They were thrilled about their “break.” I, on the other hand, was overwhelmed.
I had no idea how I was going to juggle my work while assisting them with their online schooling. This wasn’t just a summer vacation; they had real responsibilities, and I needed to be there to guide them through their lessons. Plus, I knew they’d need a few of my “encouragements” to stay on top of their assignments and to help keep the house in some semblance of order.
The first few weeks were challenging, and I heard the same sentiments echoed by friends and family. But by week five, everything shifted. We realized that we were the only ones around for the foreseeable future, and we could either embrace our situation or let it overwhelm us.
This newfound closeness has drawn us together, and we’re not alone. Surveys indicate that many families are experiencing similar connections during this time. Now that quarantine restrictions have eased, and we feel comfortable going out with masks and avoiding crowds, we’ve decided to hold onto some of those positive habits we formed during lockdown.
Family Dinners and New Traditions
For instance, we’ve made it a point to have dinner together every night when the kids are with me (I share custody with their father). With their social activities and sports on hold, we’ve enjoyed the precious moments to slow down. It’s refreshing, and my three teenagers agree they appreciate this continuity. We don’t always have home-cooked meals; we often just grab what we like and sit down together to eat.
Since I couldn’t visit the salon, my daughter started trimming my hair and helping me color it. My salon is open again, but I haven’t gone back because she’s doing such a great job — it would be silly to give that up for a few hours in a salon chair.
With less rushing around, I can wrap up work by Friday noon, and we make the half-hour drive to the nearest Chipotle for a lunch treat. It’s a nice change of pace, and it’s something I wouldn’t typically do on a weekday. This new tradition kicks off our weekend in a delightful way, especially since the kids finish their Zoom classes around that time.
Leisurely Lunches and Quality Time
Our weekday lunches have turned into something special. I’ve started grilling meats and veggies or making wonton soup. I can’t imagine going back to eating lunch hastily over the kitchen sink now that I’ve discovered how enjoyable a leisurely lunch can be. We wouldn’t even do this on vacation due to our packed schedules. It’s funny how trying to do more for my family often took away from the quality time we spent together.
Now, I can hear my kids engaging in conversations during remote learning. They talk about their dreams — my daughter once dreamed about feeding baby zebra cucumbers! My son has turned into a COVID-19 expert, keeping her updated on the latest statistics. They’ve even discovered a mama chipmunk in our backyard with her babies. We likely missed these little wonders in the past because we were too busy to notice.
Instead of grumbling about chores like washing the car or planting bulbs I ordered online, they’re eager to help out. With their extra hands, I’ve found more energy for game nights — a discovery we might not have made without being forced to slow down.
Reflections on Quarantine
Quarantine didn’t unfold as I had anticipated. I was initially filled with anxiety and uncertainty, but now, aside from wishing for the end of COVID, I find myself reluctant to return to our pre-pandemic life. We’ve become closer as a family due to the challenges we faced together. While I look forward to certain aspects of normalcy, I wouldn’t trade the small moments that have drawn us closer for anything.
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Summary:
The pandemic has not only changed our daily routines but has also brought families closer together. Despite the initial challenges of managing work and children’s schooling, many families have discovered the joys of spending quality time together, from shared meals to engaging conversations. As we transition back to normalcy, the lessons learned during quarantine—like the importance of family dinners and collaborative chores—are worth keeping. This experience has fostered a deeper connection among family members, making us appreciate the little moments that truly matter.
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