During the pandemic, two staff writers, Rachel and Samantha, experienced vastly different journeys. They share the choices they made and how those choices suited their families.
Rachel, Northeastern Mom of Three
As a mom to five-year-old twin daughters who started kindergarten this year and a fourteen-year-old son entering 9th grade, I’ve faced significant changes in our household. I work full-time as a program director for a small nonprofit in New York City, which transitioned to remote work. Meanwhile, my wife, Priya, a hospital chaplain, returned to work, sometimes directly interacting with COVID-19 patients. By summer, I felt a heavy mental exhaustion from managing my kids’ online schooling, from keeping track of their assignments to attending virtual meetings for my son’s special education needs. The stress was overwhelming. To break the monotony, we took occasional trips to Target and grocery stores, despite the risks. We hiked regularly and made the best of living with the pandemic.
Samantha, Southern Mom of Three
I have three boys, ages seven, eight, and eleven, who have always been homeschooled. My husband, a public school teacher, shifted to remote work almost immediately. Aware that the pandemic would be prolonged, we invested in an above-ground pool and a trampoline in April. Living in a state with one of the highest COVID-19 rates, we faced challenges with unmasked individuals everywhere, including our local homeschooling community, which disregarded CDC guidelines early on. Our family has been largely isolated, with my children having minimal interaction with other kids for the entire year.
Rachel: Sanitization Practices
I’ve always been diligent about hygiene, but the pandemic intensified my efforts. I carry hand sanitizer everywhere, and we have large bottles in both cars. When the kids return from school, they immediately sanitize their hands. Their clothes go straight into the wash, and they shower as soon as they come home. Each day, they wear clean fabric masks. My wife follows strict hygiene protocols after her shifts, showering and changing immediately. To date, our family has avoided contracting the virus.
Samantha: Sanitization Practices
Before the pandemic, I was the laid-back mom, often saying, “A little dirt won’t hurt.” However, when COVID-19 hit, I became hyper-vigilant about sanitizing everything—even our mail. We’ve since relaxed these measures, allowing sunlight and fresh air to help eliminate any potential virus. When we are inside public spaces, we limit our time and rely on fresh air to help with safety, though my husband still strips and heads straight to the shower after work.
Rachel: Grocery Shopping
During the pandemic, I learned to utilize the Amazon Prime app for groceries, a shift from my usual routine. Tired of long lines in the cold New England weather, I started using grocery delivery services in February 2021. While it felt odd to not pick out our groceries, I recognized that using these services also supports workers in need.
Samantha: Grocery Shopping
Due to the high number of individuals in our state who do not wear masks, we can only make quick grocery runs at off-peak hours. We’ve relied on delivery for larger orders throughout the pandemic. Although we dislike the extra cost, we ensure to tip generously, recognizing the risks delivery workers take for our convenience.
Rachel: Education During the Pandemic
My wife, of Sri Lankan descent, and I, an African American woman, understand the vital role education plays in our mixed-race family. Priya’s work as a hospital chaplain gave us confidence when sending our children back to school, as she only encountered adult patients. Our school district has been transparent about infection rates, and strict protocols are in place to ensure safety at school.
Samantha: Education During the Pandemic
Our homeschooling routine remained unchanged during the pandemic, which was a blessing. However, with my husband teaching in person, we’ve had many discussions about school safety. Despite the challenges, my husband’s classroom has good ventilation and has recently been vaccinated, providing some peace of mind.
Rachel:
Ultimately, we believe we made the right choices for our family, especially for our kids. They need a supportive community beyond our household. With summer on the horizon, we’re planning safe outings and remain committed to protecting our family as we navigate life with COVID-19.
Samantha:
We feel confident about our decisions. Our children have learned the importance of their sacrifices for the greater good. We regularly connect with family through Zoom, and my oldest maintains friendships online. While it has been difficult, we believe the sacrifices have been worthwhile. We are privileged to have stable homeschooling and the resources to manage our family’s needs.
For more insights into navigating parenting during the pandemic, check out this post. If you’re looking for additional information on pregnancy and home insemination, this resource is an excellent place to start. Additionally, don’t forget to explore this authority on fertility supplements for more information.
Search Queries:
- How to manage remote schooling during a pandemic
- Tips for grocery shopping safely during COVID-19
- Best practices for homeschooling families during a pandemic
- Sanitization tips for families during COVID-19
- How to support kids emotionally during a pandemic
Summary:
Rachel and Samantha exemplify two distinct approaches to navigating family life during the pandemic. While Rachel emphasizes strict sanitization and managing a mixed-race family’s educational needs, Samantha focuses on the challenges of homeschooling in a high-COVID area. Both families prioritize their children’s safety and well-being while adapting to a new normal.