| More than once, as my husband and I have been juggling sick parents, work, and two boys home from school and activities during this pandemic, we reminded ourselves that at least we weren't drowning in diapers and wake-ups every couple of hours. It was an exhausting, beautiful reality, that new parent life – a foggy time that I now wish was sharper in my mind. What did those little bodies feel like in my arms? How did I answer that toddler's innocent questions? How did I function as a working adult after two hours of sleep? (I'm not sure I did.) So when I read these two pieces about being pregnant and being a new parent during such an unstable time, I had mixed feelings: sentimentality, for one, especially as I read about Kristen Hanna, learning to take this time as a gift of sorts to slow down and connect with her unborn baby. And anxiety as I read about Rebecca Drobis, navigating the pandemic as a new mom, trying to keep her family safe, only to get the novel coronavirus anyway. The idea of being separated from a still-nursing-baby takes my breath away, even if the baby is just a room away. More than anything, these pieces remind me that parents are going through an unprecedented time, juggling much more than they ever expected, and handling issues for which no one has ever had to create solutions. I wish we didn't have to, of course. But as I witness a colleague editing with baby twins and a toddler and still finding time to enjoy them; as I talk to a pregnant colleague who is spending her nine months trying to stay out of doctors offices; as I close my computer to focus on this 10-year-old behind me asking when I'll be done writing that thing, I have this to say: We're making it work, parents. With love and attempts at patience, wherever we may find it. (Okay, he literally just said: "Not trying to pressure you. But how much longer do you have with that?") Sending you extra support from my end of the Internet to yours. |
Parenting in a Pandemic These are challenging times for any parent to navigate. Let On Parenting help. Below you'll find a selection of expert advice and personal stories for all types of parents. And to keep up with The Post's best advice for living through a lockdown, including recipes to make, shows to watch, the best socializing apps, resources for parents, guidance for managing anxiety and tips for canceled trips, bookmark Your Life at Home. If you're tired of hearing, "I'm bored" | The ultimate parents' guide to education and activity resources For parents-to-be | What to know about being pregnant during the covid-19 pandemic For parents of toddlers | Expert advice for sheltering in place with a tyrannical toddler For parents of teens | Even the mellowest teens are raging against the pandemic quarantine. Here's how to help them cope. For parents of college kids | What happens when college kids leave the nest — and the coronavirus sends them back If you're worried about digital devices | Our screen-time rules don't work in this new world. And maybe that's okay. |
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