Do You Experience Lockdown Flashbacks When Your Kids Are Home? You’re Not Alone

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By: Mia Thompson
Updated: Jan. 18, 2022
Originally Published: Jan. 14, 2022

I can vividly recall that moment in early March 2020 when I was chatting with my fellow Girl Scout leader at a cookie booth. The thought of lockdowns and the closure of schools and daycares felt far-fetched at the time. Little did we know that in just a few weeks, everything would change drastically, putting life on pause.

Since that fateful day, terms like coronavirus, new normal, and pandemic have become triggers for me. Some might think I’m being overly dramatic, but parents, especially those with young children, will absolutely resonate with these feelings.

Initially, we believed the lockdown would be a temporary situation—a fleeting moment we’d look back on fondly by summer. How wrong we were! I often pondered what it would be like to be a stay-at-home mom. Yet, I never envisioned being at home with two school-aged kids who were completely clueless about online learning. Add to that the demands of being a chef, teacher, full-time employee, and dealing with endless dishwashing—sounds like a total nightmare, right?

Don’t get me wrong; there were joyful moments. We cherished extra time together filled with cuddles, reading, and outdoor play. However, those pleasant memories fade when I hear about schools closing again.

When I know my kids will be home due to appointments or planned time off, I can’t help but feel a wave of anxiety. It’s not that I don’t love having them around; I do. It’s just that I’m finally getting back into the rhythm of work, and reverting to those early pandemic days feels overwhelming. Okay, maybe that sounds a bit dramatic—but only slightly.

While it’s been a tough adjustment for them, it’s equally challenging for me. I’m not only helping them navigate this new reality; I’m figuring things out myself. When I’m home alone, I can light a candle and focus on work. But with the kids around, it’s a different story—they’re constantly asking for snacks and complaining about the pantry being empty, despite it being full. “Are you not entertained?” I jokingly ask in my best Gladiator voice when they whine about boredom after I’ve set up a crafting corner. Spoiler alert: they didn’t find my impression amusing.

Just the other day, I had to separate them because they were bickering over a gaze. Honestly, it’s becoming too much!

In short: wear your mask, wash your hands, get vaccinated and boosted. Maybe then we can all find our groove again, like Stella. Life may never return to the way it was, but at least it will be different from the chaos we’ve endured.

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Summary:

As we navigate the complexities of parenting during uncertain times, many parents experience overwhelming feelings when their children are home from school. The memories of lockdown and its challenges continue to affect us. It’s important to acknowledge these feelings while also seeking resources and support to help manage the journey ahead.