As a stay-at-home mom of three young kids (ages 4, 3, and almost 2), I was pretty confident that I knew each of them like the back of my hand. But the “Shelter in Place” order really put everything into perspective.
My mornings, prior to the “Shelter in Place” order, were very rushed. We would go from preschool for my two oldest, to the gym, back home to walk the dog, back to school for pickup, home for lunch, and then naps for my two youngest. Everything was always “go, go, go”!
For the past few weeks, I have been given the opportunity to gain a true understanding of who each of my kids are in their entireties. Through Zoom Circle Time meetings organized by their preschool, I have been able to observe how they interact with their teachers and classmates. And through homeschooling them myself, I now understand how each of them learns best and where each of them needs improvement. Even when doing crafts with them, I have learned that my 4-year-old son likes to take his creativity a step further, whereas my 3-year-old daughter likes to do exactly what is asked of her.
Aside from school, no longer being constantly on the move means I now have time to cuddle with my kids in the mornings, go on walks with them and the dog, and cook meals together.
I would be lying if I said I don’t miss having my “me time”: going to the gym, getting my hair and nails done, going out for drinks and dinner with my husband and friends, or going to the city for my monthly book club MeetUp meetings. But this difficult time in our country (and world) has been a learning experience for both my kids and me, and I, for one, am enjoying this time with my family while it lasts.
By Becky Nunez, Resident since 2018