I can still recall it vividly. One afternoon in March 2020, I was chatting with my fellow Girl Scout leader, Sarah, at a cookie booth about the looming possibility of schools and daycares shutting down. At that moment, it felt unfathomable that our lives would soon be turned upside down. Lockdown was about to come crashing in.
Since that fateful day, I haven’t gone a single moment without being reminded of words like coronavirus, new normal, and pandemic. Some might say I’m overreacting, but I know many parents, especially those with little ones relying on them, can relate.
Initially, we all believed the lockdown would be a brief interruption—a minor hiccup that we’d look back on fondly by summer. Boy, were we mistaken! I often pondered what it would be like to be a stay-at-home mom, but I never envisioned the reality of juggling two school-aged kids who were utterly lost in the world of online learning. Add in the roles of chef, teacher, a 25/8 dishwasher, and a full-time employee, and it felt like a complete nightmare.
Sure, there were beautiful moments—extra cuddles, more time spent reading, and fun outside. But those aren’t the memories that flood my mind when I hear about more school closures. When I know my kids will be home due to doctor’s appointments or planned time off, a wave of anxiety washes over me. It’s not that I don’t cherish having them at home; I do. It’s just that I’ve finally started to regain my work rhythm, and slipping back into the chaos of the early pandemic days feels overwhelming. Okay, maybe that sounds a bit dramatic, but just a bit.
As challenging as it has been for my kids, it’s been equally tough for me. While I’m helping them navigate this new world, I’m still figuring things out for myself. When I’m home alone, I can light a candle, tune into my favorite YouTube focus channel, and get to work. But when the kiddos are around, they’re asking for snacks every 20 minutes and gazing into a fully stocked pantry as if there’s nothing to eat. “Are you not entertained?” I joke in my best Russell Crowe voice from Gladiator after they complain about being bored just moments after I set up a crafting area. Spoiler: they were not entertained. Just the other day, I had to separate them because they were arguing over how one was looking at the other. Honestly, I can’t take much more!
In short: wear your masks, wash your hands, and get vaccinated. Then, maybe we can all channel our inner Stella and find our groove again. Life may never return to what it once was, but at least it can be different from where we’ve been.
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For more insights and stories, check out our post on this topic.
Summary:
Many parents experience lockdown flashbacks when their kids are home, bringing a mix of nostalgia and anxiety. The challenges of navigating motherhood during and after the pandemic have been significant, but support and resources are available to help manage through this journey.
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