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After the pandemic struck, I found my social circle of mom friends dwindling. While we weren’t inseparable, we shared pleasant interactions, and our kids got along well. However, when lockdowns began, these moms seemed to ignore the seriousness of the situation. They invited me on river tubing trips and to pool parties, but when I finally expressed my concerns about safety measures—emphasizing that we were adhering to CDC guidelines—they stopped reaching out altogether.
Living in a conservative area, I was not surprised that many moms held views aligned with Trump and were avid attendees at megachurches. I even had to navigate some uncomfortable conversations about the NRA during playdates. Despite our differences, I thought we were managing to coexist peacefully. I was mistaken.
Revealing Attitudes Toward Masking
As the pandemic progressed, our homeschooling community transformed into a blend of independence and conservative beliefs, which resulted in widespread opposition to mask-wearing. Posts emerged questioning mask mandates in different municipalities, revealing a troubling trend of anti-science sentiments. Many individuals appeared more inclined to trust misinformation online than to heed scientific advice.
During a discussion about an upcoming homeschool convention in a COVID-19 hotspot, someone inquired about mask requirements, only to be met with cheers about the lack of enforcement—an alarming revelation.
Seeking Connections Amidst Isolation
Frustrated by the reckless behavior of my former mom group, I ventured into local homeschooling forums to propose outdoor, masked playdates once I was vaccinated. I made my position clear, but the backlash was swift and harsh. Comments poured in, condemning my suggestion as unnecessary and even abusive toward children. After an overwhelming response filled with criticism, I ultimately found only two moms—strangers willing to meet for a safe playdate outdoors.
I often offer masked outdoor playdates to moms seeking companionship for their kids, yet I’ve received little interest.
A Disappointing Attempt at Friendliness
Recently, a new mom in the area reached out, expressing a desire to meet older friends and share similar interests. I reached out, suggesting we meet for a masked outdoor playdate. She responded positively but revealed her family did not mask. I was shocked.
How challenging is it to wear a mask for the safety of others? The homeschool community here seems to be filled with those who deny the existence of COVID-19, as they organize numerous outings and activities without regard for safety.
Our masked playdate was pleasant but felt forced and awkward, underscoring the reality of our situation. We bonded over our mutual belief in COVID-19, a stark contrast to the larger community around us. Desperate for our kids to connect, we both understood the significance of these rare encounters.
For more insights on navigating parenting during the pandemic, check out this blog post. If you’re exploring fertility journeys, Make a Mom offers valuable resources. Additionally, for pregnancy information, visit Healthline.
Summary:
The article reflects on the author’s experiences in a conservative homeschooling community during the pandemic while seeking masked playdates for her children. The backlash she faced for advocating safety measures highlighted the division in beliefs about COVID-19. Ultimately, she found a couple of like-minded moms, but the struggle for connections in a non-compliant community loomed large.
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