Life Lessons Learned from the COVID Pandemic

It's safe to say that the COVID-19 pandemic created challenges for everyone. But for those of us with children, it meant a lot, and we mean a LOT, of quality time with our little ones. Yet through it all, we learned some valuable lessons that we'll take with us even as things continue to return to "normal."

Here are some of the things we will hold on to:

1. Things don’t always go as planned. And that’s okay.

The thing about unprecedented events is that they don’t come with a manual. We were trying to help kids learn remotely while often adjusting to new work arrangements ourselves. Do they have the link to their class? Do they know when to come back from recess? Oh no, I need to feed the kids during a work meeting!

We recognized that we were all new to this and learned to be more forgiving — of ourselves and each other.

2. You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to be there.

Did you try to help your child with their schoolwork and realize how much you’ve forgotten since your school days? Or that you don’t have the time to make them the healthiest dinner with the workday that doesn’t seem to end and the housework that’s impossible to keep up with? It’s okay — what mattered was that you tried.

We learned that you can’t do everything every day. The important thing is that you’re there for your children.

3. Kids can be pretty resilient.

As parents, our instinct is to protect our little ones. But the pandemic affected all of us, including the children. We’ve asked kids to change how they do school, playdates, birthday parties and more. And they’ve impressed us by adapting to the new normal and making the best of the situation.

The kids went through a lot. Let’s recognize the sacrifices they’ve made and take heart knowing that they may be little, but they can be pretty tough when they need to be.

4. Before you take care of anyone else, take care of yourself.

In emergencies, we’re told to put on our life vests first before helping others. After all, we wouldn’t be very helpful if our own needs aren’t met. The same goes for taking care of our young ones when the going gets tough. It’s tough for the kids, but the adults are going through a lot too. So it’s okay to say, “I’d love to help you right now, but can you give me a moment?”

It’s important for everyone to see that self-care for mom and dad means better care for all.

5. Nothing refreshes like fresh air.

The COVID-19 pandemic helped many families rediscover the classic pastime of taking walks. When “work”, “school” and “home” are all in the same place, we needed a way to unwind. And with the extra walking, we stayed fit, talked to neighbors and maybe discovered things we wouldn’t have otherwise.

Who knew? Simply walking does the body and mind a lot of good.

6. There’s a lot to be thankful for.

When times are tough, we need to appreciate the little things: a neighbor who puts up signs in their window, a long-lost friend who reconnected by video chat or seeing a new flower bloom on a daily walk.

Things weren’t perfect, but we learned to look out for the positive. And, more than anything, we have a newfound appreciation for being around the people we love.

What’s something you learned from your children and yourself while you were home?