Last week, a sign hung in my son’s room that captured his anticipation for what was supposed to be his much-anticipated return to playing ice hockey—a return that had been delayed due to the pandemic. His excitement was palpable; he had been eagerly counting down the days. Just the night before, he exclaimed, “I can’t wait for hockey tomorrow, Mom!”
He truly needs this. The physical activity, camaraderie with teammates, and the structure that comes from a packed schedule are vital for him. The lessons he learns through competition—both winning and losing—are irreplaceable. He thrives on the encouragement from a coach, which is quite different from the support he receives at home. Through hockey, he learns resilience, the value of hard work, and how to deal with disappointment. He needs to experience the thrill of victory and the sting of defeat, as these moments teach him how to handle life’s ups and downs.
On the morning of his big day, he jumped out of bed, transformed his sign to read “Hockey Day,” and even composed a little tune about the sport. My daughters and I chuckled at his enthusiasm; it was a day we all longed for and one we had almost given up hope on—thanks to the unpredictability of COVID-19. He left for school beaming with joy.
Then the phone rang.
“Max is now in quarantine.” My heart sank. Confusion and concern flooded my mind, but all I could think about was the impact on his hockey plans. I should have been worried about his health or the logistics of keeping him home, but my thoughts were consumed by the disappointment of another cancellation. It was an unexpected blow, a reminder of the relentless nature of pandemic life.
I worry about the lessons this situation imprints on our children: to expect nothing, to guard their emotions, and to brace for disappointment as a norm. Kids should feel secure in their routines and the activities they cherish, but that sense of reliability has been shattered over the past year.
What will this mean for Max moving forward? Will he hesitate to feel excitement next time, fearing it might be taken away again? As a mother, I grapple with how to support him during this prolonged uncertainty. What can I do to help him navigate these challenges?
The truth is, there are no easy answers. This is just one of many experiences children are facing during this pandemic, and it doesn’t get the attention it deserves. They’ve been conditioned to brace for the worst and to temper their excitement because what should be reliable has become unpredictable.
On that day, when I picked Max up from school and saw the confusion and fear in his eyes, I was reminded of the reality we’re living in. “But what about hockey tonight, Mom?” he asked, his voice trembling.
“You’ll play again in two weeks, I promise,” I said, offering reassurance even though I was uncertain. Thankfully, he’s counting down the days again, excited for that future game. But deep down, I can’t shake my own apprehensions.
This story highlights the emotional challenges our kids face in these times. For more insights on similar topics, check out this post. It’s crucial to address these struggles as we navigate the new normal.