As the second wave of COVID-19 rolls in, I’m hearing an increasing number of friends and acquaintances expressing “COVID fatigue” and longing for a return to normalcy. I completely understand—I’m feeling the same way! This year has been challenging: I was laid off, my husband and I are cooped up together 24/7 (and not in a romantic way), our three-year-old has cycled through four teachers in nine months, and I’ve been unable to see many family members. Lockdowns, school closures, and working from home while juggling childcare have all been tough. But you know what’s even tougher? Actually contracting COVID-19.
Since March, my husband and I have been diligent about social distancing. We stayed home, sanitized groceries, Zoomed with everyone we know, and brainstormed activities to keep our energetic three-year-old entertained. With high-risk relatives in our lives, we committed to being as cautious as possible—no indoor playdates, no public parks, and practically no social life. It was exhausting, but at least we felt safe from the virus.
Then, one evening, my husband mentioned he felt a bit worn out. We chalked it up to his long work hours. The next morning, however, he woke up shaking and wrapped in blankets. We immediately knew something was off. Despite our precautions, we were puzzled about how this could happen. Ultimately, we suspect we contracted COVID-19 over Halloween weekend, and the ensuing days were a blur of chaos.
For three days, I was the sole parent, attending to my very ill husband and our three-year-old daughter in our 1200-square-foot apartment. Whenever my husband stepped outside his room, I would hiss, “GET BACK IN THERE!” I did everything in my power to keep our daughter occupied while desperately counting the hours until bedtime, when I could finally collapse in despair. I had no idea just how much more difficult things could get. (And by the way, single parents are true heroes—I got a brief glimpse of that reality and it was overwhelming.)
On the third day, my COVID test results came back positive as well. The moment I received the news, my symptoms kicked in, almost as if they were waiting for confirmation. We decided to let my husband out of quarantine—no point in both of us being isolated. We donned masks when near our daughter, cracked the windows, and attempted to make the best of a bad situation.
Fortunately, we experienced mild cases. Neither of us needed hospitalization, but it sure didn’t feel mild. For two weeks, my husband faced flu-like symptoms, while I experienced a daily roulette of various COVID-19 symptoms. Co-parenting was our biggest challenge. Quarantining our daughter was impossible, and passing her off to someone else was out of the question. Each day, we looked at each other and wondered how we were going to manage.
At first, we wallowed in self-pity, but it quickly became clear that we needed a new approach. We decided to throw out our conventional parenting rules and adapt to our circumstances. Here are the key strategies that helped us survive COVID-19 while keeping our daughter happy and entertained:
Rule #1: Keep Your Child Home With You.
This may seem counterintuitive, but our pediatrician emphasized that since children spend so much time around us, they are likely to be asymptomatic carriers. Instead of sending our daughter away, we quarantined her with us for the recommended 14 days. If you can keep your child close, do so. Otherwise, practice good hygiene and isolation measures to protect others.
Rule #2: Sleep Whenever You Can.
Fatigue from COVID is real. If your child naps, take advantage of that. If not, consider allowing some screen time or movies. We usually limited screens, but during illness, we allowed more than three hours a day. Yes, we felt guilty, but COVID is a family emergency—sometimes you have to bend the rules to prioritize your health.
Rule #3: Let It Go.
I initially tried to keep everything tidy, but I quickly realized it was too much. When we got sick, I paused my freelance work and focused on self-care. The mess can wait; your health and time with your child cannot.
Rule #4: Keep It Simple.
When it comes to meals and entertainment, simplicity is key. Order takeout, or prepare easy meals that can be reheated. Even borrowing toys can provide a much-needed distraction for your little one.
Rule #5: Accept Help.
It’s challenging to ask for assistance, but once I shared our situation, friends and family offered help in droves—food, groceries, and toys. People are willing to support you; don’t hesitate to lean on your community.
Rule #6: Phone a Friend.
Designate a few friends to vent your frustrations. This emotional support is vital during such a trying time. Additionally, arrange virtual hangouts for your child with family or friends to give yourself a break.
Rule #7: Keep a COVID Journal.
Documenting your symptoms and experiences can help you keep track of what you’ve gone through and provide a sense of clarity during a chaotic time.
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Summary:
Navigating COVID-19 while caring for a young child is an overwhelming challenge. From adjusting parenting rules to accepting help, the journey requires flexibility and support. Keeping children close during quarantine, prioritizing self-care, and leaning on your community can help you weather the storm together.
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