A Letter to My Children During COVID

Dear Children,

The last year has been unexpected and difficult, yet it has also been beautiful. I never envisioned I would have to navigate parenting during a pandemic. So, I wanted to write a letter to my children, not only to thank you but to remind you just how proud I am of you.

Someday, hopefully soon, we will look back on the last year of our lives and I hope what we remember is the close family moments we have shared. I never signed up to be a stay at home mom. I’ve always said I believe it is the hardest job in the world. I knew from the time that you were infants, that it wasn’t for me. It is not to say I don’t love my time with you, because I do. But I also love my career and my independence to be able to provide for myself and for my babies. I have been lucky enough to be able to have both. And then COVID happened.

The first few months of COVID were admittedly tough for me. I had to juggle your distance learning along with my full-time university job as a telecommuting employee and try to keep my blog business afloat. There are many times I know I lost my patience with you. I know that I rushed your schoolwork so I could move on with my day. Also, I know I didn’t give you as much quality time, even though we were in the same house. I used screens too often to distract you so that I could do my work. I am certain, I could have done more to support you than I did, but I want you to know I always tried to be the best mom I could, even under the most difficult circumstances.

You didn’t sign up for this past year any more than we did. I think we parents often feel sorry for ourselves and the things we’ve lost. A lot of times, I don’t think we consider all you’ve lost too. You both have lost a year and a half in school. Sure, you’ve seen your teachers and classmates on zoom, but that is not the same as the in-person social interaction you should have gotten.

You’ve also missed out on all of the special events and activities you love with your friends. I know how much you miss your sports and other extracurriculars. I know how badly you, my son, want to play basketball and you, my daughter, finally get to try out gymnastics. You could have spent the last year complaining about all of the things you have missed, but you never did. 

You both have taken distance learning with a stride. Both of you surprised me just last week during your teacher conferences when they raved about your academic and social contributions to the class. I could not be more proud that you are both thriving academically, despite having to sit in front of a computer screen all day. 

More than anything, I want you to know I am so proud of you. I am proud of you for how resilient, happy, and adaptable you’ve been. You have both showed so much grace, so much kindness, so much patience and so much love for your mommy. I thank you. Thank you for making the last year of our lives so much easier than it could have been. I am so thankful to you for showing up every day with a giant smile on your faces, showering me with hugs and kisses. Thank you for being the most wonderful children that I get to call mine. I am so beyond blessed I get to be your mommy and I am so proud of you for the wonderful human beings you are. I love you.

Love,

Mom

Looking for more family stories from me? Click here. Are you struggling to parent during COVID? Here are some useful articles to consider.

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Managing Anger and Frustration

Positive Parenting during COVID

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