On Thursday of last week, my kid’s school announced it would be closing due to the threat of the coronavirus. The break was intended to be two weeks. But with spring break following right after, the break became a month. Very quickly, my husband and I realized that a month off from school might turn into a truncated school year, with the kids not going back at all.
I immediately panicked
I’m not going to lie — I was more concerned surviving life with my husband and children in my face and in my space for a month than the actual threat of the coronavirus. Not understanding the full impact, my kids celebrated the school closure as a precursor to summer break. There was a lot of talk about endless TV days, crafts we’d spend the day doing, cooking projects that would take all day. I mentally hyperventilated. Their school may have closed, but my work schedule remained the same — albeit now from home.
Day 1, I woke up in a full-panic tailspin
Schools weren’t just closing, human contact seemed to be closed for business along with restaurants, movie theaters, and gyms. I felt like the last human on Earth — if that last human had to work while picking up socks, entertaining children, and making more snacks than a human being should really be hungry for in one day.
Everyone seemed to be looking to me for guidance, emotional support, and structure. But, where was my emotional support? I realized I wouldn’t be able to spend time with my friends for what’s looking like a very long time. I feared I’d go into a real depression — and it was only the end of the first day.
The next day, my kids woke up in better moods and asked for things to do that weren’t just screens and video games. With their moods elevated, I took a deep breath and realized I needed to take my potential depression by the horns and set myself up for success — and happiness.
That meant the kids could help out with the sock piles and dishes piling up after their 10th snack break. Cleaning up after everyone all day was a serious mood buzzkill and a month is far too long to be down. It also meant setting up a schedule that included me getting my work done and the kids having some down time, some physical activity, and some time to use their brains.
Day 3, I noticed we all settled into our temporary new normal
Our day had more of a rhythm to it, which meant my anxiety took a breather. I noticed that when I spent quality time with the kids, they were happier and so was I. This also made me feel less guilty when we all retreated to our various corners and to screens.
We’re on Day 4 now, and while I’m not thrilled to be spontaneously running a homeschool for the next who knows how long, I’m now in it to win it. I’m making sure to check in with friends, either by text or FaceTime.
Social distancing has forced me to make my own mental health a top priority — and you should do the same
When you’re all living together in close quarters, you learn you have to care of yourself if you’re going to be able to be there for everyone else. It’s OK to take a moment — or moments — in the closet, the bathroom or the porch for yourself. It’s OK to let the kids watch TV all day sometimes, just so we can recharge. It’s OK to FaceTime your best friend and just drink a glass of wine in silence together.
Stay safe and stay sane. Know that while we are all temporarily isolated, none of us are alone. We’re all in this together — one long day at a time.
