The pandemic has prompted us to rethink and consider parenting with greater attention since the pandemic has challenged so many traditional parenting events, attitudes, and efforts. How has the pandemic changed the way you parent? What changes will remain and what will go once we're past pandemic limitations?
My son called yesterday. It was a nice surprise since I typically call him. In general, he called to tell me that so far his atypical college semester had turned out better than he expected. The apartment, roommates, neighborhood, and social activities were going well. All in all, he's staying safe, wearing a mask, gathering with small groups, cooking/eating healthy meals, and using his bike for most transportation. Though online, his professors have already been inspiring, and he's committed to learning a lot this semester. This was a pleasant surprise since I had low expectations for the semester and even questioned whether returning to school during a pandemic was the right thing to do.
As a parent of a college student, I had to give up many of the traditions we'd typically be involved in, traditions including driving him to school, meeting up with his friends and their parents, attending sports events, shopping at the school bookstore, and enjoying the greater school community. Instead, we lent him a car, contributed to his rent/tuition, and bid him farewell and good luck. He's quickly become more independent than we expected, and thankfully he seems to be managing well. May it continue.
The same is true for my young adult sons--the pandemic has spurred them to grow up and take more responsibility earlier as they've had to make a lot of decisions about how they spend their time and money in ways that keep themselves and others safe. They are investing in safe, outdoor hobbies and adventures more and spending less time at indoor parties and gatherings. They're also spending more time with smaller groups and individuals at more intimate outings. While not life as they expected it, they've accomplished some great feats during this time including awesome gardening, hiking, boating, and lots of cooking.
I imagine that homes with young children have fostered new ways to think about and act as parents. In my neighborhood, two families created a pod. The children are having a blast with all kinds of outdoor and indoor adventures, projects, and play. This has created a new warmth to the neighborhood, and the parents seem to rely on each others' energy, care, and camaraderie.
In the best of worlds, this pandemic will result in better, stronger, more loving families and parenting. The time together, hopefully, will help parents see what's most important, and use that new knowledge to lobby and advocate for what's best for children and families. In my opinion, a country founded on a strong sense of family will be a strong, happy, and prosperous country. For too long, I believe, we've neglected the important needs of families and the integral role they play in our democracy. A promise in the pandemic problem is the opportunity to strengthen, support, and commit to the American family with the broad definition of family as the people you love most and support.
How has the pandemic changed the way you parent? How have your expectations and the way you use your time changed? What about your hopes for your children and their future--how is that different now?
I believe this is a revolutionary time for the American family. I do believe that Kamala Harris and Joe Biden understand this, and if elected President and Vice President, they will work for the American family in countless ways. This will be one way that they can meet the potential the promise in the pandemic problem creates, a promise that will strengthen and better our nation.