Pandemic Parenting

This year has been challenging. The pandemic has brought fear, financial struggles, the worry of poor health, isolation, and a feeling of unknown to many. Just like most things, there are many different opinions on parenting through covid-19 pandemic. We are not here to give you all of the answers ( we don’t know them either), but rather remind you that you are doing the best you can, to offer you some extra support, and remind you to be gentle with yourself. Today we will be talking about pandemic parenting.

Pandemic parenting can feel isolating

Parenting throughout the pandemic can feel isolating! Usually, when bringing a baby into the world, you can look forward to your baby shower, family meeting the baby, and introducing your new child to the world. These things may have looked different this year, and people have had to make hard choices around their family and new baby’s safety. Many have retreated to single-family pods, and that can feel isolating! Humans need support and community. We encourage you to make time for your community. Whether your comfort level is sticking with your small pod of friends and family, taking walks outside with masks, or zoom meetings, try and make it a priority!

You may feel like you are failing..

We’re going to let you in on a little secret; nobody was prepared for this! We have never had to face something like this before in our lifetime, and there is no proper reaction. Yes, we encourage you to take care of yourself and your family, however that may look a bit different than it used to. It may mean your older kids get more screen time, you don’t feel as excited about being pregnant as you had hoped, or you feel like you and your partner aren’t getting along as well. Yup, this is normal right now too. We encourage you to add something to each of these days that will make you feel good! Like a phone call to your best friend, a fun project with your kids, or some time outside. Reminder: You are not failing, and you are not alone!

Routine, What is that?

Do you remember the good old days when your calendar had events on it, playdates scheduled, and even date nights? Yeah, us either! When there isn’t routine in life, it’s easy to fall behind with basic stuff like laundry, the dishes, and doctors’ appointments. We get it; we were there too! Kids and adults can thrive with some routine, but easier said than done. Let’s remember some flexibility is needed right now! It can be beneficial to try and find some new daily routines but remember these times are not normal, and daily routines may look different at the moment.

what about if you’re pregnant or postpartum?

Pregnant and postpartum parents, we see you, we hear you, and we are sorry this year may not have been what you planned! We know you want to keep your baby and yourselves safe and may feel scared. This is your reminder to be gentle with yourself, reach out to your community, and stay connected in the ways you feel safe. We want to encourage you to seek outside support if you need it. You are doing the best that you can, and we see that.

Pandemic parenting IS HARD

We don’t want to sugar coat this one. Pandemic, parenting is hard. We are in uncertain times, there’s added levels of stress for everyone, especially parents. Please treat yourself kindly, and remember to reach out to your trusted community for extra support. We are all in this together; you are not alone!

For more great tips on all things parenthood, pregnancy, birth, and postpartum, check out our weekly blog.