My teenage daughter was up past midnight binge-watching a series, and now she’s still snoozing away as it approaches 11 a.m. With her next video call not for another half hour, I’m letting her enjoy the extra sleep.
The state of my kids’ rooms resembles a tornado aftermath, and my son is on day three in the same outfit. I assume they’re at least brushing their teeth once daily, but I wouldn’t bet on it.
When the pandemic first hit us a year ago, I thought it would be a fleeting situation, just like many others. However, as reality set in and virtual learning began, I made a concerted effort to keep things as normal as possible for my kids. I did this not only for their sake but for my own well-being too.
I clung to schedules to maintain a sense of order. I wanted them to rise at a decent hour, eat meals, and keep family dinners alive, all while pretending everything was fine when, internally, I was feeling overwhelmed. I resisted letting go of chores, meal prep, and monitoring their screen time.
But eventually, I ran out of steam. I had to accept that letting things slide was inevitable. The housework fell by the wayside, bedtimes became lax, and I allowed my kids to have their devices in their rooms well into the night.
Trying to force a sense of normalcy when nothing is normal often leads to a chaotic unraveling. The moment I stopped trying to keep everything neat and tidy, I felt a rush of relief.
For parents today, maintaining the status quo for our children feels nearly impossible. With school schedules disrupted and social activities limited, we are expected to shoulder all the responsibilities of keeping everything on track.
How can we manage that? It’s a significant burden, especially when we’re just trying to stay afloat ourselves.
There’s been concern voiced in articles about increased screen time among kids during the pandemic, impacting their health and well-being. Parents, understandably, have reacted strongly to such claims, as they’re already doing their best to navigate these tough times.
As a parent of three teens, I refuse to be shamed for my choices during this unprecedented period. Experts from various outlets have emphasized the importance of simply being there for our kids, providing support without the burden of unrealistic expectations.
One professor mentioned that children can weather tough times and emerge resilient, provided they have support. I can do that. I can support my kids, but I refuse to hold myself to an impossible standard of keeping everything normal.
They deserve comfort too. Their electronic devices are their primary connection to the outside world. If my son opts for three bowls of Cocoa Puffs and wants to go shoeless—even in the snow—I’m okay with that.
We all require support and comfort, and we shouldn’t be judged for not maintaining normalcy during such an abnormal time. If that means skipping dinner prep and allowing extended video game sessions after schoolwork, then so be it.
For more insights on parenting during these challenging times, check out this post on music festivals. Additionally, you can explore fertility supplements at Make a Mom for those looking to boost their chances of conception. For excellent resources on pregnancy and home insemination, visit March of Dimes.
In conclusion, it’s vital to recognize that during these unusual times, embracing flexibility and understanding is essential for both parents and kids.
Leave a Reply