Being a parent especially as a mom is like being an octopus with several tentacles. You are everything to your kids and husband and this includes being a cook, laundryman, waitress, etc. Some dads too fill in all-in-one roles too but most times, moms do more of the grunt work when it comes to parenting.
Today, Coronavirus has made those tentacles more than one can count. It has made life emotionally draining for many women because they have to fit in multiple roles and still be in the same space 24/7 with screaming toddlers or grumbling teenagers who would rather spend time with friends.
Hello? You too would like some 'me' time just like the grumbling teenagers but it seems the kids don't know or maybe, they just don't care. You also would rather not have to plan how to keep your children from age 'months old' to age 'teen adults' busy. Instead, you would prefer to spend some quality time with your PC, getting some work done or perhaps, grabbing coffee with friends.
However, this is your reality now and you know that depression will soon set in if you leave your kids and your husband to themselves. You need to keep everyone busy and happy in a time of Coronavirus where everyone is home and bored.
While some women have managed to establish a routine for their families, many are still confused about how to keep their families happy and productive. We decided to interview a few women on their challenges and how they are coping during this lockdown period.
We interviewed Mrs. Akinola, a full-time housewife, and Mrs. Gladys Okeke, a nurse. Here is what they have to say about COVID and the current Nation-wide lockdown.
"The lockdown has been trying for me. I have adult children and since Universities are affected by the lockdown, I find myself cooking more for my family. I had gotten used to cooking for just me and my husband for a while now.
Also, there have been frequent clashes in my home as the space in the house seems too small to accommodate us all. You know adult children don't get along that well in a confined space.
On the bright side, I can say that I am getting to know my children more. There are so many temperament switches that I am trying to catch up with. Believe me, it isn't easy but I must confess that this lockdown has made me realize that I don't know my children", Mrs. Akinola said.
On the other hand, Mrs. Gladys Okeke views the lockdown in a more humorous light.
She says: " Em, there is not much to it. This Coronavirus of a thing has given me more work to do. You see, before the lockdown, I used to drop my toddlers at the daycare. I have triplets, two girls and one boy and it hasn't been easy.
I don't have anywhere to keep them when I want to run errands and my husband will not allow me to bring anyone from the village to stay with us and help out. He doesn't want anyone to give us Coronavirus".
She further added that COVID-19 has allowed them to have another baby. In her words "I have been telling my husband that we should add one more child to our triplets so that each of them will have someone to play with. I'm pregnant now".
Most mothers would agree with Mrs. Akinola and most that the bright side to the pandemic is that you get to do things differently with your children as a parent. You could also discover things you never knew about your kids.
You may become aware that your two years old child is super sensitive and perhaps highly observant. Perhaps you could also discover that your teenage daughter has a crush on a boy in school.
Or you would probably realize that you need to give your teenage kids, sex education and their biology teacher didn't cover that subject as you had hoped.
What you need to realize is that there is a silver lining to be found in this pandemic. Although we all would rather COVID-19 ups and goes, we've got to make some lemonade out of the lemons life throws at us.
Now, you must have begun to fall into a routine with your kids which consist of:
• Breakfast
• Family time
• Sudy
• Lunch
• TV time
• Family time
• Dinner
• More TV time
• Bedtime
Even if your kids' days aren't mapped out like this, there should be a routine that would ensure you and your family stay happy and productive. You could also try out the above routine if you need a more flexible time management plan.
While you do this, it's okay to feel overwhelmed. Seriously, you are a parent, teacher, adult friend, fun provider, judge, spiritual leader, and just about everything. So, you mustn't go hard on yourself for not achieving the majority of the tasks you have planned out for your kids. Also sometimes, you may need to take it easy on them too so you all don't get burnt out and frustrated. It's okay to skip some tasks once in a while in your time management plan and just go with the flow.
Take breaks when you need to and do what makes you happy and comfortable because you need to be mentally fine first before you can keep everyone else in check. Think more of the bright side of things when you get overwhelmed. Hey, you and your spouse get to bond more with your kids. That's a good thing!
Remember, this is also a time to create wonderful memories and establish family traditions that could continue after the lockdown.
Think about it, you could start working on winning your son and daughter's confidence. Let them see that Mom is a great listener and can be just as awesome as their best friend.
This is the perfect time for you and your kids to bond. Yes, it does sound like an irony with all the stress involved but don't forget the lemonades. Lemonades are made from something bitter. They may not taste like candy but they are worth trying out. That's how this period of lockdown should be to you.
From this moment, make the best use of your time with your kids and spouse. Establish bonds that will not easily be cast-off in the future after the pandemic.
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