How hard does life feel for you while parenting during a pandemic?

Question

Life feels so hard and I feel defeated almost every day. The stress of trying to balance working from home while also being the childcare for my toddler, not being able to interact with other people easily or have my kid run out and play with others in the neighborhood, getting my vaccine next week....life just feels so HARD. How do you find joy and ease during these times?

Answer

I started parenting right as the pandemic started (my daughter was born 2 weeks after Covid was officially a thing) so I don’t know any other way, but it’s been hard. I’m also a healthcare worker so I think the Covid fatigue has added to my stress. I got PPD pretty bad and I have to say Covid was a big factor in that. I had all these visions for how the first year of her life was going to go. And how much fun it would be to add a baby to our summer activities like going to see live music at the local brewery, or going to the pool without friends and their kids. I pictured having all our family together for her first bday, I pictured having a big sip and see once we had all settled. But no. None of that has happened. Half the people at our baby shower haven’t even met our daughter. It’s definitely been a year of learning to lower my expectations. I can’t imagine how much harder it would be if I had gotten to experience those things and then had them taken away. I am very grateful she’s too young to go to school. Parents who are tackling virtual learning are amazing.

Answer

Been fine for me. 
We barely go anywhere anyways so it's not bothered some.

Answer

It’s been a long, difficult journey. I’ve gone through so many stages of grief and acceptance (on repeat) this past year- as I think most people have- it’s been an absolute roller coaster. Now that the weather is warming up, and people are getting vaccinated- I’m finally feeling hopeful again. My family & friends have all gotten theirs- so we’re planning small gatherings, and finding fun stuff to do outside (mindfully) which gives me things to look forward to again. I’m so grateful to be in a place where cases are declining, and the sun is shining!

Answer

Adding online school for my 2nd grade daughter to my already crazy daily of chasing around my overactive 3 year old and trying to make naps happen between that for my now 1 year old is a whole new level of insanity that I was NOT prepared for. Hopefully next school year won't be back and forth like this and my older two will be in school during the day so I can get a much needed break.

Answer

It has been brutal. Mostly because we were traveling a lot for work and enjoying all the exploring we got to do. Being grounded for months on end is horrendous when you don’t love where you are. I’m worried he won’t remember how to be a great little traveler like he was before. I’m worried he won’t want to explore. I’m nervous about taking him out and exposing him more than necessary. Day to day is ok, it’s the overall experience that just isn’t working for me.

Answer

It was different and incredibly difficult last year when daycare was shut down. I was very depressed during that, I was just so overwhelmed with simply knowing we were in a pandemic plus the stress of trying to raise my kids and keep my job. But once daycare opened back up my life was pretty much back to normal. I mean, I’m scared to death of taking my toddler to eat inside a restaurant because he hasn’t since he started solids and he’ll be an absolute terror. And I’m nervous about him soon being required to wear a mask places, we practice at home but he’s still just a toddler and doesn’t tolerate it more than 10 minutes.

Answer

I'm a healthcare worker so I feel like my life is the same. I miss family dinners and going out to restaurants tho!

Answer

I have 2 under 2 so I really don’t know any other way. It’s fine.

Answer

We miss story times at the library, playing on parks with other kids, and things like the zoo/aquarium. However I haven't had to see/deal with my inlaws in 14 months and that is GLORIOUS so overall it is a win. My kid acts like a monster after seeing them and they are pretty awful grandparents so having an iron clad excuse to not see them has been worth it.

Answer

It’s been normal here my husband and I work full time and go to school outside of our home. Our daughter still goes to sitters and dance class.

How hard does life feel for you while parenting during a pandemic?

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