Two Families, One Pandemic, Two Distinct Approaches

As the pandemic unfolded, two families with unique circumstances navigated their experiences in markedly different ways. Jane and Emily, both writers for our platform, share how their choices reflected their family dynamics and environments.

Jane, Northeastern Mom of Three

I’m a mother of five-year-old twins who just started kindergarten, along with a fourteen-year-old son embarking on his 9th-grade journey — both critical transitions in their academic lives. My role as a full-time program director for a small nonprofit in New York City shifted entirely to remote work. My spouse, Alex, works as a hospital chaplain and returned to her duties, sometimes interacting with COVID-19 patients. By summer, I felt an overwhelming mental fatigue from constantly overseeing our kids’ online activities, ensuring they submitted assignments, and adapting to shifting schedules. To break the monotony, we ventured to Target and the grocery store, which felt risky but necessary. We also embraced outdoor activities, making the best of our situation.

Emily, Southern Mom of Three

I have three boys aged seven, eight, and eleven, all of whom have always been homeschooled. My husband, a public school teacher, transitioned to remote work immediately, continuing that way until November. Understanding that the pandemic would stretch over time, we invested in an above-ground pool and a trampoline in April. Living in a state with one of the highest COVID-19 rates, we faced challenges as many in our community disregarded safety guidelines. Consequently, we rarely took our children out — only a couple of trips to Target, while my oldest was the only one to step inside a grocery store, where we often had to remind others about social distancing.

Jane: Sanitization Practices

Even before the pandemic, I was the parent who always carried hand sanitizer. We have large bottles in both cars. Whenever the kids enter the car after school, I immediately provide hand sanitizer. At home, they go straight to the shower and their clothes head to the wash. I wash their hair regularly, and they get a fresh mask every day. When Alex comes home from work, she showers immediately, and we practice strict hygiene when returning from outings. To this day, no one in our household has contracted the virus.

Emily: Sanitization Practices

Prior to the pandemic, I was more lenient about cleanliness, often citing the five-second rule. However, once COVID-19 hit, we began sanitizing everything, even our mail. Recently, we’ve relaxed a bit, trusting sunlight and fresh air to help. When we do venture indoors, we limit our time and ensure we’re taking precautions, though my kids don’t change clothes afterward. My husband also showers straight after returning home from work.

Jane: Grocery Shopping

I adapted to using grocery delivery through apps like Amazon Prime, something I had never done before. The need to avoid long lines outside stores, especially in the cold, led me to embrace this change. While I initially struggled with the idea of not selecting our family’s food directly, I rationalized that using these services helped those delivering groceries earn a living.

Emily: Grocery Shopping

Since many people in our state neglect mask-wearing, I’ve limited grocery runs to quick trips during off-hours. For larger orders, we’ve relied on delivery throughout the pandemic. Although we dislike the markup, we ensure to tip well, recognizing the risks these individuals take to provide for us.

Jane: School Experience

As a mixed-race family, my partner and I appreciate the vital role of education. We felt reassured sending our kids back to school since Alex’s work primarily involves adult patients. Our school keeps us informed about infection rates and follows strict COVID-19 protocols, including mask breaks and providing masks when necessary. Parents aren’t allowed in the building, ensuring a controlled environment.

Emily: School Experience

Homeschooling has kept our routine somewhat stable during the pandemic. However, my husband’s position as a public school teacher brought its own stressors. The uncertainty over safety protocols and class schedules created tension. Thankfully, his classroom has good ventilation, and he’s recently received the vaccine.

In conclusion, both families feel confident in their choices during these challenging times. Our kids have adapted in different ways, learning the importance of community, safety, and sacrifice. As summer approaches, we will continue to prioritize their well-being while planning for future family activities.

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Summary:

In their pandemic journeys, two families adopted distinct approaches to safety and education. Jane, a Northeastern mom, emphasized rigorous sanitization and school attendance for her children. In contrast, Emily, a Southern homeschooling mom, prioritized isolation and cautious outings. Both families navigated their unique circumstances with resilience and adaptability, demonstrating the varying responses to the challenges posed by COVID-19.