Parenting in a Pandemic

Tonight I had to comfort this teary little one at bedtime, but for reasons that we’ve never before had to comprehend. “Mama, I can’t sleep because I’m sad. I miss my friends and my favourite families and sleepovers, and that’s why we always have to video chat people and put teddies in the window and it’s not fair.” Let’s remember that this unprecedented event is like no other any of us had to experience in our childhood. They see, hear and process everything that is going on around them. Let’s be gentle with them, let’s show patience and understanding. Let them be loud and silly and clumsy inside, when the only reason they can currently leave their house is to go for a walk. Let them not participate in phone calls or video chats if they’re feeling overwhelmed. Let’s listen to their complaints and troubles. Most importantly, let’s be the arrow that points them to the solid rock and greatest hope in these times of trouble.