Two Families, One Pandemic, Two Distinct Approaches

In the face of a global pandemic, two families have tread different paths. Here, we explore their choices and the reasons behind those decisions.

Amelia, New England Mom of Three

Amelia is navigating the pandemic with her five-year-old twin daughters who just started kindergarten and her fourteen-year-old son who’s entered 9th grade—both significant educational transitions. As a full-time program director at a small nonprofit in NYC, she transitioned to remote work. Her partner, Sam, a hospital chaplain, returned to work, often dealing with COVID-19 patients. By summer, fatigue set in; they were overwhelmed with managing their children’s online schooling, completing assignments, and balancing virtual meetings. To break the monotony, they ventured out to Target and grocery stores, took hikes, and embraced outdoor activities, adapting to life amid the pandemic.

Lily, Southern Mom of Three

Lily has three boys, ages seven, eight, and eleven, who have always been homeschooled. Her husband, a public school teacher, transitioned to remote work right away and remained that way until November. With the pandemic looking like a long-term challenge, they invested in an above-ground pool and a trampoline. Living in a state with high COVID-19 rates, they faced a different reality, with many unmasked individuals, including those in their local homeschooling community. The family has ventured out very little, with only a couple of trips to Target, and has found themselves constantly reminding others about social distancing.

Amelia: Pandemic Hygiene Practices

Amelia has always prioritized cleanliness, carrying hand sanitizer even before it became a necessity. A giant bottle of sanitizer resides in both cars, and as soon as her kids enter the vehicle, they are sanitized. Their clothes go straight to the laundry, and they shower immediately upon returning home. Frequent hand washing and new masks each day are a must, and her partner follows similar protocols after returning from the hospital. To date, they have managed to avoid the virus.

Lily: Pandemic Hygiene Practices

On the other hand, Lily initially took a more relaxed approach, enforcing the five-second rule with her kids and believing that a little dirt wouldn’t hurt. However, with the onset of the pandemic, she became diligent about sanitizing everything, including their mail. Recently, they’ve relaxed some of these measures, relying on sunlight and fresh air to combat any potential viral load. When visiting places like state parks, they make quick trips indoors while maintaining caution and regularly washing their masks.

Amelia: Grocery Shopping Adjustments

Amelia adapted to online grocery shopping through Amazon Prime, replacing her weekly trips with one-click purchases due to the stress of long lines in the cold. This shift not only made shopping easier but also helped support those delivering groceries during these challenging times.

Lily: Grocery Shopping Adjustments

Due to the high number of unmasked individuals in her area, Lily limits grocery runs to quick trips during off-peak hours. For larger orders, they rely on delivery services despite the extra costs, ensuring they tip generously for those risking their health to provide for families like theirs.

Amelia: School During the Pandemic

As a mixed-race family, education is paramount for Amelia and Sam. With their children returning to school, they felt reassured by the measures implemented, including masks, social distancing, and regular communication about infection rates. They view the school community as essential for their children’s growth and well-being.

Lily: School During the Pandemic

For Lily, homeschooling provided stability during the pandemic, but her husband’s job brought its own stressors. With uncertainties in public school safety, they’ve had to navigate their family’s unique challenges. Thankfully, her husband has recently been vaccinated, bringing some relief amid the ongoing uncertainty.

Both families ultimately feel they made the right choices for their unique situations. Amelia’s family is preparing for summer with plans to continue being cautious, while Lily’s family values the lessons learned during isolation, emphasizing the significance of family connections and prioritizing health.

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Summary:

The pandemic has led two families to adopt contrasting approaches to hygiene, schooling, and grocery shopping. Amelia, a New England mom, embraces stringent measures to keep her family safe, while Lily, a Southern mom, balances caution with an understanding of their unique homeschooling situation. Each family’s experience highlights the importance of adapting to changing circumstances and making well-informed choices for their loved ones.

Keyphrase: pandemic responses of families

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