The Reality of Quarantine for Moms

It has been a while since I have sat down to write something just because. Lately, for obvious reasons, the level of creativity/ the sensitivity surrounding EVERYTHING right now, has really not allowed for those writing juices to get going. There has been something on my heart though, and it is something that the world (and every other meme/gif I see) has an opinion on… the reality of quarantine for moms. This isn’t just for moms… but parents, single parents, and extended family trying to raise their kids in this time.

I don’t speak for every mom, obviously, but I think there is a lot of unspoken feelings between mothers at this time out of fear of being reprimanded or being seen a certain way.

The Reality of Quarantine for Moms

Now, let me preface this by saying I am not putting down anyone’s style of parenting. Every person is trying to deal with this in their own way, and honestly, it’s uncharted waters in the world of parenting for our generation.

However, THIS. IS. NOT. NORMAL.

As a work-at-home mom before this started, and one that homeschooled already, I was home with my children most of the day prior to all of this happening anyway.

“So this was probably an easy transition for you.”

OR NOT.

There is a huge difference between choosing to be home with my children, while still being allowed to live life outside of this house. Right now, we are on the verge or losing it in my house. My children are not used to this schedule and not getting out of the house. At least half of them would get out of the house and go on errands or to the gym with me multiple times a week. They aren’t used to their friends being home, while not really being allowed to see anyone. They don’t understand why my patience is so thin because, in reality, there isn’t much in the way of stress relief for mama’s right now.

I give props to all of the moms who began this with (or are still holding onto) color-coded schedules and plans for their kids. Like I said, everyone is just trying to do what they feel is best for their families

However, as someone who normally prides myself on having it together, being organized and clean, and being able to run a functioning household… the reality of quarantine for moms is that IT IS NEAR IMPOSSIBLE.

I don’t have the time to start a new hobby or pick up a crafting project everyday. Not only that, but by the time the end of the day comes, and I have been trapped (yes, I said it) with my family inside all day, I am exhausted. Laundry is NON STOP because they change 800 times a day because they can. They are snacking ALL DAY because they are home ALL DAY.

My kids are great. I love them all with my entire being. So, please don’t come at me with the, “this is a blessing to be at home with your family and spend time with them.” Like, I get it.

But we, as moms, weren’t meant to be the cook, maid, psychologist, doctor, referee, sanity keeper, punching bag, school teacher, craft maker, all while trying to work from home…all at the same time, 24-7 for who knows how long.

Being able to workout from home with a partner who keeps me motivated, and Zoom calls with my church family, have been saving my sanity. Even still, this time period as a parent is one of the hardest I have experienced.

Has this given me more time with my kids? Yes. I am thankful for that? Always. However, it is hard to stay positive every day so my children don’t see the craziness that is going on in the world. But we, as moms, still have to carry that. It’s HEAVY.

But, here is what I will say, at the risk of this coming across as just completely complaining about life right now… be kind to those parents with younger, very active, very attention-needing children at home. We are all doing our best, but we can only be stretched so thin. We are going through all of the emotions right now, our patience is wearing thin, and we are all just doing the best we can without totally losing it on our children.

My prayers lately have been full of thanks for our health, but also for the strength and sanity of all the parents out there being put to the test.