We have been in quarantine/lock-down now for about 70 days now. What seemed like an extended 2 week vacation, has turned into a constant 3 week extension of limited outings, controlled openings and internal fears of overexposure due to the virus. Now although I am a homebody, and I actually don’t mind staying at home, I have to admit that some days are more triggering than others. Children are not the exception.

Now at first, I was balancing work/school/stay-at-home mom all at the same time, and to be honest, it was exhausting and draining for my kids and me. I remember my oldest saying “I want my mom back!” when I was constantly answering and explaining to parents, while planning and sending emails. It was disheartening, to say the least. Those are strong words coming from a child, and for the record, my husband and I both were at home.

Studying with my children, on the other hand, was more than a gratifying experience. I got to form a closer bond with them, try to understand their doubts, and giving them a specific space in schedule for both of them. I can say that not everyone is cut out to study with their children, (and I have messages to show), but it wasn’t my experience.

My children’s frustration actually started recently. They have already finished the semester, and they had no set schedule, which meant a lot of free time. But just not outside. You see, as a parent, you want to protect your children during this time, so you don’t take them to supermarkets, or public playgrounds, because besides it is shunned on, most stores don’t permit it for safety concerns. So they basically stayed at home. And between technological devices, movies and creativity moments, they are bored. Really, really bored.

I noticed an angry face on my son, that told me that all of his drawings were awful. When I asked him what was wrong, he told me, “I can’t draw; nothing looks right, I can’t do anything right”. And this was just a frustrated “over the surface” moment. Then it was “I hate quarantine! I miss school! I miss my friends!…” and the list goes on. Maybe, I haven’t noticed how much media influences their brain, or how the entire situation is as equally overwhelming to them as to an adult.

I listened quietly and comforted him as he weep, drying his tears, and feeling so impotent towards his frustration. I would have loved to say we can go anywhere and do anything, but until everything eventually subsides, it is a risk that as a mom, I don’t want to face. Having my children at a hospital alone, is just heartbreaking to imagine.

So what did I do? I told him that from that point on, we will schedule one outing a day, either bike riding (being careful that not many children are outside), walking or a car ride to see other things. That way, within the limited schedule, they can be entertained another way.

I understand that this can be some conflicting, uncertain times, in which our youth can’t fully comprehend. Hey, not even we can fully understand. We just have to adapt, try to listen and find solutions within our limits to keep peace of mind.

I wish you all a wonderful day, wherever you are; and remember, listen to your children. Their voices are just as important as ours.