As I write this post it has just been announced that the government has extended Social Distancing guideline through the end of April. That means we have 30 days left of no school, no work (for some of us), no playdates, or playground days. The list goes on.
I’ll admit I’ve had fears over COVID-19. It’s hard to not quicken your heart rate or start breathing a little quicker when you hear of the devastation other counties have gone through, and now it’s knocking on our own backdoor. I realize how much privilege I have during this time. It’s not lost on me that my immediate family isn’t considered in the high risk category. We have a great neighborhood for walking, a back yard for playing, and even a hot tub that we’ve cooled down to pool temperature. Home life for us isn’t so bad.
Still with a toddler at home it’s hard to think no one else will see her for another month. No grandparents visiting, no gym class or story hour. All of the other people I didn’t even realize I counted on to entertain my child have been VERY missed.
Yet, oddly enough, I feel comfortable in quarantine. Everyone else seems to be banging their head against the walls. They don’t know what to do with their children or their time. Life has made a total 180 for them. How can I be okay?
After much thought I realized it’s because I’ve been in “quarantine” before. And recently. My daughter is only 19 months old. Thanks to naps, feedings, and general exhaustion, we haven’t been out in the real world all that long.
I’m used to long days at home alone with no adult conversation. I’m used to being the only one to care for my child. It’s not that unusual for me. I think so many moms with very young children can relate.
Those with older children or maybe adopted or became a step parent to children beyond the infant year, I implore you to remember how you feel right now. Remember how isolated you are. Remember how you wish for just one hour someone else would play Tag with your child or read them their favorite book for the 45th time this week.
Your friends and family who are about to be in the infant stage, or are currently are feeling like this always. It’s so easy for us to say “oh well I don’t want to bother her.” BOTHER HER.
Maybe don’t ask her if she wants to go out for margaritas. Spoiler alert: She doesn’t. I’m sure she would love to take a nap or simply sit while someone else holds her baby.
Of course you should wait until this time of uncertainty has passed us, but in the future, remember. New moms are in quarantine all the time. It’s not just 15 days or a month, its basically an entire year. Be a friend and reach out now that you remember how that feels.
