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As the world navigated the challenges of a pandemic, two families shared their distinct experiences and responses to the situation, revealing the unique choices they made in adapting to this unprecedented time.
Casey, Northeastern Parent of Three
Casey is the mother of five-year-old twin girls who have just started kindergarten this year and a fourteen-year-old son entering 9th grade — both significant milestones in their education. Working full-time as a program director at a nonprofit organization in New York City, Casey transitioned to remote work. Meanwhile, her partner, Aisha, a hospital chaplain, returned to work, sometimes interacting with COVID-19 patients. By summer, Casey found herself grappling with a new type of mental fatigue. Managing their children’s online learning — from monitoring internet usage on their Chromebooks to coordinating virtual meetings for her son’s accommodations — became overwhelming. To alleviate the monotony, the family took risks by visiting Target and grocery stores, while also spending time outdoors hiking daily. They learned to coexist with the pandemic.
Jenna, Southern Parent of Three
Jenna’s three sons, aged seven, eight, and eleven, have always been homeschooled. Her husband, a public school teacher, quickly shifted to remote teaching. Anticipating a long pandemic, they invested in an above-ground pool and trampoline to keep their boys engaged. Living in a state with one of the highest COVID-19 infection rates, they faced challenges as many in their community disregarded health guidelines. Their outings were limited — Jenna has taken her children to Target only twice, and only her eldest ventured into a grocery store, leading to constant reminders about maintaining distance. As a result, her sons have had minimal interaction with peers over the past year.
Casey: Hygiene Practices During the Pandemic
Even before the pandemic, Casey was diligent about cleanliness, regularly carrying hand sanitizer. Now, she maintains strict hygiene protocols: her kids sanitize their hands as soon as they enter the car, and upon returning home, their clothes go straight into the laundry and they shower immediately. They wear clean masks daily, and Aisha follows similar protocols after her shifts. To date, their household has remained virus-free.
Jenna: Hygiene Practices During the Pandemic
In contrast, Jenna’s approach to hygiene has evolved. Initially focused on sanitizing everything, including mail, her family has since relaxed some practices, opting for sunlight and fresh air to mitigate viral loads. Quick trips to indoor locations are limited, and they wash masks regularly. Jenna’s husband strips and showers as soon as he comes home from work.
Casey: Grocery Shopping Adjustments
To avoid long lines at grocery stores, Casey turned to online shopping through Amazon, a shift she made in early 2021. This new method allowed her to skip the lengthy waits outside in cold New England weather. She reconciled her decision to use delivery services by recognizing the importance of supporting delivery workers during difficult times.
Jenna: Grocery Shopping Adjustments
Due to the lack of mask compliance in her community, Jenna relies on quick trips to grocery stores during off-peak hours for essential items. Larger orders are delivered, despite the extra cost, and they ensure to tip well for the delivery workers who are risking their health.
Casey: Educational Choices During the Pandemic
As a mixed-race family, Casey and Aisha understand the transformative power of education. The safety of sending their children back to school was reassured by Aisha’s experience with adult patients. Their school district provides regular updates on infection rates and enforces safety measures, such as mask breaks and proper hydration protocols.
Jenna: Educational Choices During the Pandemic
For Jenna, homeschooling remained unchanged, but her husband’s public teaching job introduced stress regarding safety. With high infection rates and inconsistent health guidelines, discussions about the pandemic could become overwhelming. Thankfully, her husband’s classroom has proper ventilation, and he has recently been vaccinated after a few scares.
Conclusion
Ultimately, both families believe they made the right decisions for their children. For Casey’s family, the importance of school and community support is paramount, while Jenna’s family emphasizes the value of safety and sacrifice, recognizing their privilege in navigating this challenging time. They both continue to adapt and plan for the future while prioritizing their families’ well-being.
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