When schools in my area were suddenly closed for two weeks back in March due to the spread of COVID-19, I snapped a picture of my kids lounging around and sent it to my sister with the caption, “I’m not sure how I’m going to survive this.” My oldest was sprawled out in his pajamas, while my youngest lay on the floor, both glued to their screens. The living room was a chaotic mix of bowls and utensils scattered everywhere.
They were thrilled about their unexpected “break,” but I was feeling overwhelmed. Juggling my work while ensuring they kept up with their schoolwork felt daunting. This wasn’t a summer vacation; they still had responsibilities, and I needed to be there to guide them through online learning. I knew they would require some of my more vocal — let’s call them “motivational” — reminders to stay on task, clean up after themselves, and not raid the pantry.
The first few weeks were challenging. I heard similar sentiments from friends, family, and colleagues. However, as we reached the fifth week, something shifted in our household. We realized that we were going to be the only company each other had for a while, and we could either embrace it or let it tear us apart.
That newfound closeness brought us together in ways I never anticipated. It seems that many families are experiencing this same phenomenon. Now that the most stringent quarantine measures have eased — we’re comfortable going out as long as we wear masks and avoid crowded places — there are certain habits formed during quarantine that we intend to maintain.
For instance, we found that having dinner together every night, rather than just a few times a week, helped alleviate the stress and anxiety brought on by the pandemic. With their social activities and sports on hold, we could enjoy a more relaxed pace of life. It was refreshing, and my three teenagers agree that they appreciate this routine.
I’m not whipping up gourmet meals every night; instead, we often just pick what we want and enjoy it together. Since my trips to the salon were canceled, my daughter took it upon herself to trim my hair, help with coloring, and even offer styling tips. Now that the salon is open again, I haven’t gone back — my daughter, who’s training to be a hairdresser, does an amazing job, and I wouldn’t trade that for a few hours in a salon chair.
With our schedules less hectic, I can finish my work by Friday noon, and we often take a half-hour drive to the nearest Chipotle for lunch. It’s a delightful change of scenery and helps kick off the weekend on a positive note. This lunch tradition started during quarantine has continued, making our Fridays feel special.
Weekday lunches have turned into something enjoyable; I began grilling meats and vegetables or preparing wonton soup. I can’t imagine going back to hastily eating lunch over the kitchen sink now that I’ve discovered the joy of taking my time. It’s amusing to realize that the more I tried to accommodate my family’s needs, the more I was sacrificing quality time together.
Now, as my kids are engaged in remote learning, I overhear their conversations and dreams. My daughter once had a dream about feeding baby zebra cucumbers, while my son has become our resident COVID-19 expert, keeping her informed about the latest statistics. They’ve even found a mother chipmunk in our backyard with her babies, something we likely overlooked before due to our busy schedules.
Instead of grumbling about chores like washing the car or planting bulbs, my kids eagerly pitch in to help. Thanks to their assistance, I have more energy for family game nights — an activity we may not have explored if we hadn’t been forced to slow down.
The quarantine experience turned out to be different from what I had feared. Initially filled with anxiety and uncertainty, I’ve come to realize that, aside from wishing for an end to COVID-19, I actually don’t want everything to revert to how it was before the pandemic. We’ve become closer than ever, and even though there are aspects of pre-COVID life I miss, I wouldn’t trade the little moments that brought us together for anything.
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Summary:
The quarantine experience led to unexpected closeness among families, transforming the challenges of lockdown into opportunities for togetherness. By establishing new routines, such as shared meals and quality time, families are finding joy and connection despite the difficulties posed by the pandemic. As life gradually returns to normal, many are eager to hold onto these newfound bonds and habits that have enriched their lives.