During the pandemic, two of our writers, Jane and Sarah, experienced vastly different journeys. They share their decisions and the rationale behind them.
Jane, New England Mom of Three
I have twin daughters who are five and just started kindergarten, along with my fourteen-year-old son entering 9th grade — both significant milestones in their education. As a full-time program director at a small nonprofit in NYC, I transitioned to remote work. My partner, Maya, a hospital chaplain, returned to work, sometimes attending to COVID-19 patients. By summer, I was grappling with an unusual level of mental fatigue. We were weary of monitoring our kids’ screen time on their borrowed Chromebooks, ensuring they submitted assignments for art and gym, and adjusting to my son’s 9th-grade schedule. The stress was overwhelming. Throughout the pandemic, we ventured to Target and the grocery store — taking risks to break the tedium. Daily hikes became our escape, and we learned to adapt to life with COVID-19.
Sarah, Southern Mom of Three
My three boys, aged seven, eight, and eleven, have always been homeschooled. My husband, a public school teacher, quickly shifted to remote teaching, remaining online until November. Recognizing the pandemic was going to be prolonged, we invested in an above-ground pool and a trampoline. Living in a state with one of the highest COVID-19 rates, we faced a community where many disregard safety measures. Due to high positive rates and the absence of mask laws, we struggled to take our children anywhere. I’ve only taken them to Target twice, and only my eldest has been in a grocery store, where we often found ourselves reminding others about social distancing. As a result, my boys have had minimal interaction with peers for over a year.
Jane: Our Sanitizing Routine
I’ve always been the parent who carried hand sanitizer, even before it became a necessity. We keep a large bottle in both cars. As soon as the kids are in the car from school, they get sanitized. At home, their clothes go straight to the wash, and they shower immediately. I wash their hair every other day and ensure they have fresh masks daily. When Maya returns from the hospital, she showers and changes immediately. Whenever we go out, we strip off our clothes and shower as soon as we’re home. Thankfully, we have managed to avoid the virus thus far.
Sarah: Our Sanitizing Approach
Before the pandemic, I was the type of mom who believed in the five-second rule and assured my kids that a little dirt wouldn’t hurt them. However, when COVID-19 hit, we took sanitizing to the extreme, even treating our mail. Now, we’ve eased off a bit, allowing sunlight and fresh air to do their job. When we must enter a public space, we limit our time and rely on sunlight to help mitigate risks, although we regularly wash our masks. My kids don’t change their clothes after outings, but my husband goes directly to the shower after work.
Jane: Grocery Shopping Changes
I’ve adapted to using my Amazon Prime app, replacing my weekly grocery trips with one-click shopping — something I had never done prior to the pandemic. This change happened in February 2021 due to frustration over long lines in the cold New England weather. I’ve reconciled my inability to choose groceries in person by remembering that my use of delivery apps supports workers who need the income.
Sarah: Grocery Shopping Adjustments
With so many people in our area neglecting masks, our grocery trips are brief and strategic, taking place during off-peak hours for essential items. Larger grocery orders are delivered, which we’ve relied on throughout the pandemic. While the delivery fees are frustrating, we make sure to tip generously, recognizing the risks these workers take to ensure we have what we need.
Jane: Education During the Pandemic
As a mixed-race family, my wife and I understand the profound impact education has on our children. Maya’s work as a chaplain has provided reassurance about returning our kids to school, knowing she has encountered only adults, not children, in her role. Our school district keeps us informed about infection rates, and the safety protocols in place, such as mask breaks and drink restrictions, give us peace of mind.
Sarah: Homeschooling During the Pandemic
Since my kids have always been homeschooled, the shift due to COVID-19 was minimal. However, my husband’s role as a public school teacher has created stress regarding safety. With high infection rates and unclear guidelines, it has been challenging to discuss the pandemic openly. His classroom’s ventilation system has been a blessing, and thankfully, he has been vaccinated.
Jane:
Ultimately, we feel confident in our decisions for our family and kids. They need the support and community that school provides to complement their home life. As summer approaches, we’re planning schedules and vacations — always masked and vigilant to keep our family safe.
Sarah:
We believe we’ve made the right choices for our family. Our children have experienced significant isolation, but with both my husband and I having pre-existing conditions, we couldn’t risk exposure. They’ve thrived through their sacrifice, learning that staying home has a purpose. Despite the hardships, I’m proud of their resilience and the strong bond they’ve formed. We also make an effort to connect with family via Zoom and my eldest uses Messenger Kids to socialize. Although it’s been tough, we value the sacrifices we’ve made. We are privileged to have the flexibility of homeschooling and resources like trampolines and pools, which have eased the burden of confinement.
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Summary:
This article explores the contrasting experiences of two families during the pandemic, highlighting their choices regarding parenting, education, and health safety. Jane’s family embraced a proactive approach, returning to in-person schooling and maintaining strict sanitizing routines, while Sarah’s family focused on staying home and homeschooling, prioritizing health due to pre-existing conditions. Both families reflect on their decisions and the impact on their children, illustrating the diverse ways families navigated the challenges of COVID-19.
Keyphrase: pandemic parenting responses
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