It’s a Global Pandemic… Not a Productivity Challenge, Okay?

To say things are different these days is clearly an understatement. 

Practically overnight, life as we knew it was gone. And what parents have assumed the position of doing: working, parenting, and teaching, is not humanly possible. I repeat, not humanly possible. Those are all different jobs, done at different times. That is why regularly you are either a working parent, stay-at-home parent, part-time of either or some other combination that works for your family.

You are not doing it wrong. You’re doing a lot and I see you mama! You are doing your best to be the mom your children need right now. While the news, press releases, and statistics are changing hour to hour, no matter how informed you are, the reality is that it is scary. The unknown is scary, the anxiety that follows is scary, thinking your traumatizing your children is scary, not knowing how to home school is scary… the list goes on and on.

While the internet is overflowing with checklists and articles on how to be productive and create the next Amazon or Uber, if all you did today is keep your little humans alive, you did a great job and I’m proud of you.

Don’t get me wrong, of course, I would love to spring clean my whole house and learn all those TikTok dances or how to make 37 new meals, and teach myself a new language or instrument and pick up a new hobby while managing my mental health by journaling and yoga twice a day but the reality is that at the end of the day, after working and parenting and teaching, I’m wiped out. Truthfully, some days start like that and some days are better than others but this is exhausting especially for mental health. To add the pressure of “if you’re not being productive and creating something grand or bettering yourself during this time then you’re not doing enough” is insane, not appreciated and not welcome. 

Here’s the deal; it’s okay if:

• You’re homeschooling or not
• Screen time for kids has increased or decreased
• Kids have to entertain themselves so you can work
• Routines have gone out the window
• Schedules have changed 
• You’re snacking more than usual 
• You’re not being the most productive you

Whether you’re the mom embracing the color-coded by-the-hour schedule or winging it by the hour, there is no judgment or shame. Be kind. Whether you agree with another mama’s quarantine lifestyle or not, I promise they’re doing the best they can. 

This is a stressful time for everyone. Lower your expectations and forget the list of things you’ve always wanted to conquer. This won’t last forever, so if all else fails, choose laughter, cuddles, and reminding your babies that they’re safe.