There are countless parenting sayings and cliches, but one that rings the most true for so many rookie and veteran moms and dads is “it takes a village.” Over the past year, however, this time-honored tagline was put to the test as everyone’s apparent “village” was ripped from around them in the name of social distancing and COVID safety protocols. In short, support systems aren’t—and can’t—be what they were meant to be; what they were built to be for us as we raise the world’s next generation.
As Dr. Harvey Karp, FAAP, the CEO of
Happiest Baby and author of
The Happiest Baby on the Block told Healthline back in April: “That level of support has evaporated over time, leaving parents with the totally false idea that normal parents are supposed to do all this on their own.”
I can say for sure that there were more times than I could even count, or remember, that I cried over the past year because I simply felt overwhelmed—swallowed by the enormous amount of work and endless to-dos piling up on my plate as I attempted to live life exactly as I did pre-pandemic, when I had childcare, helping and loving hands surrounding me and friends to spend time with to shake off the stress.
So if you’re feeling particularly disconnected with your loved ones, both friends and family, who were meant to be with you during the most difficult of days and stressful of moments, one comforting thought is that you are so far from alone. In fact, you’re in good company—with nearly every single mom, dad and caregiver in the country who has also had to cope with the trials and tribulations brought about over these past 14 months.
If you’re having trouble leaning on your village and feeling connected as we emerge from the rubbles left over by this pandemic, that’s OK. This *too* shall pass. In the meantime, here are some tips for how to get through with your strength and sanity intact.
Send guilt-free love messages to the people you love and miss most
Last week, I sent about 10 text messages to my friends with a simple “I love you. I miss you. That’s all.” Some of them simply texted back a heart emoji, some texted back a whole paragraph about their current life situations. We ALL felt more connected.
Start planning for waaaay post-pandemic
I’m deep in the throes of creating travel plans for 2022 right now with a couple we’ve known forever, but also feel like we haven’t seen in forever due to COVID-19. Our shared Pinterest Board gives me so much hope and excitement on days when I still feel like I’m in the drudgery of the pandemic.
Create a neighborhood meal train
Who wouldn’t appreciate a home-cooked meal that wasn’t made by someone in your household? Consider teaming up with some of your neighbors, family or friends and do a monthly meal train. If you team up with 4 families, that's 3 nights you don't have to worry about making dinner nor have to use energy figuring out what's for dinner!
Host a picnic in a park
If you’re still not comfortable being indoors with friends and family, a park visit is a great alternative. This way, you can still enjoy being together and sharing a meal, albeit socially distanced and outdoors. You could even coordinate what you’re bringing so that you’re both enjoying the same foods.
Here’s to a brighter and more supportive year ahead!
You’ve got this, Mama.
Written by Jenn Sinrich
Jenn Sinrich is a freelance editor, writer and content strategist located in Boston, Massachusetts. She received her BA in journalism from Northeastern University and has a decade worth of experience working for a myriad of female-focused publications including SELF, Parents, Women's Health, BRIDES, Martha Stewart Weddings and more. When she's not putting pen to paper (or, really, fingers to keyboard), she's enjoying the most precious moments in life with her husband and daughter.
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