Two of our writers, Lily and Rachel, have experienced the pandemic in starkly different ways. Here’s a look at the choices they made and why those choices suited their families.
Lily, New England Mom of Three
I’m the mother of five-year-old twins who started kindergarten this year and a fourteen-year-old son entering 9th grade—both significant milestones in their educational journeys. My role as a full-time program director at a small nonprofit in NYC shifted entirely to remote work. My partner, Amina, a hospital chaplain, returned to work, often interacting with COVID-19 patients. By summer’s end, I found myself grappling with a new kind of exhaustion. The struggle of monitoring our kids’ internet usage on their school-issued Chromebooks, ensuring they submitted art and gym assignments, and coordinating virtual meetings for my son’s learning plan felt overwhelming. To combat the monotony, we ventured out to Target and the grocery store, going on hikes, and spending time outdoors as a family, figuring out how to coexist with the pandemic.
Rachel, Southern Mom of Three
I have three boys aged seven, eight, and eleven, who have always been homeschooled. My husband is a public school teacher, and his job transitioned to remote learning almost immediately and remained that way until November. Understanding that the pandemic would be a long-term issue, we invested in an above-ground pool and trampoline in April. Living in a state with one of the highest COVID-19 rates in the U.S., we faced challenges with unmasked individuals everywhere, including our local homeschooling community, which often overlooked CDC guidelines early on. Due to our area’s high positive case rate and lack of mask mandates, our children have been largely isolated, with my oldest being the only one to set foot in a grocery store.
Lily: Pandemic Sanitizing
I’ve always been diligent about cleanliness, carrying hand sanitizer before it became a necessity. We keep a large bottle in both cars, and as soon as the kids get in from school, I sanitize their hands. At home, their clothes go straight into the wash, and they hop into the shower immediately. I wash their hair every other day and ensure they have fresh masks daily. When Amina comes home from the hospital, she showers and changes clothes right away. After any family outing—whether to the grocery store or a hike—we go through the same routine. Thankfully, no one in our household has contracted the virus.
Rachel: Pandemic Sanitizing
Before the pandemic, I was the mom who believed in the five-second rule and told my kids that a little dirt wouldn’t hurt them. However, when COVID-19 hit, we started sanitizing everything, even our mail. We’ve since relaxed our approach, trusting sunlight and fresh air to mitigate any virus exposure. When we visit indoor locations like a state park visitor center, we only stay briefly and let the sun and air handle our masks, which we wash regularly. My kids don’t change clothes upon returning home, but my husband promptly showers after teaching in person.
Lily: Grocery Shopping
I learned to navigate Amazon Prime and replaced my weekly grocery runs with online shopping—something I had never done before. I began this practice in February 2021 due to fatigue from long lines outside grocery stores in the cold New England weather. I reconciled my choice to use delivery apps with the reality that I was supporting someone else’s livelihood.
Rachel: Grocery Shopping
Since many people in our state don’t wear masks or wear them incorrectly, we limit our grocery trips to quick visits at off-peak hours for essential items. For larger orders, we rely on delivery services, despite the extra cost, but we make sure to tip generously as those workers are risking their health to help us.
Lily: School During the Pandemic
As a mixed-race family, my wife and I understand the profound impact of education. Amina’s experience as a hospital chaplain gave us confidence in sending our kids back to school, given that she had only encountered adult patients. Our school district keeps us informed about infection rates and safety measures, including mask breaks and the provision of masks for those who forget theirs. Strict COVID-19 protocols are enforced, ensuring a safe environment for our children.
Rachel: School During the Pandemic
My kids have always been homeschooled, so the pandemic didn’t disrupt their education significantly. However, my husband’s role as a public school teacher introduced stress due to safety concerns. With fluctuating class schedules and unclear adherence to guidelines, it sometimes felt impossible to have open discussions about the pandemic. Thankfully, his classroom benefits from good ventilation, and he has recently been vaccinated.
Lily:
Ultimately, we feel confident in our decisions for our family and especially for our kids. They need a supportive community beyond our household for their growth and education. As summer approaches, we’re planning activities while remaining vigilant to ensure our safety in the ongoing pandemic.
Rachel:
We believe we’ve made the best choices for our family. While our kids have faced significant isolation, my husband and I’s pre-existing conditions made exposure too risky. I’m immensely proud of how well they’ve adapted, understanding the importance of their sacrifices. Regular family Zoom calls and social interactions through Messenger Kids have helped maintain connections. Although challenging, we believe our sacrifices have been worthwhile. We’re grateful for our privilege, which allows us to make such choices, especially in a high-COVID area.
For more on home insemination, check out this helpful resource.
Summary:
This article discusses the differing pandemic responses of two families, highlighting their unique challenges and coping strategies. One family embraced remote work and in-person schooling, while the other focused on homeschooling and stringent safety measures. Despite their contrasting approaches, both families prioritized the well-being of their children and adapted to the changing circumstances.