“Enjoy some free time mommies, see you in the afternoon!!”
I overheard a first grade teacher telling the parents this morning, at my daughter’s school.
I have been looking forward to these days since the past eighteen months. Being a parent, it is a big deal for me as my child is attending the school in-person, this academic year (for the last three days as I am writing this).
In early 2020, I felt safe having my daughter at home amidst the rising Covid-19 ambiguity. Eventually, the uncertainty began to reveal its side-effects;
1.Social isolation for the child
I learned that no matter how much ever time I spend with her or attempt to put myself in her shoes, it wouldn’t benefit her against what she gains from a peer-group interaction.
She seemed happier on days with a two hour play date with her friend compared to having a day-long playtime with me.
2. Physical and mental exhaustion for us, the parents
As a working parent until January 2020, when I coincidentally gave up my job to “give time” to my child, I never expected my wish to become such a harsh reality. I was in abundance of time to share with her and she had even more time to receive it!
In a short span, I understood that my parenting skills were limited to occupying and entertaining my daughter for a couple of hours in the evenings, when she will be tired and hit the bed early. It was challenging to come up with new ideas to engage her everyday, bearing the sole responsibility of her social and emotional stability. Concurrently, dealing with my own enigma surrounding the pandemic.
It made my day to hear those words from the first grade teacher this morning. I perceive it as an acknowledgement to all the parents.
In spite of the increasing threat due to the virus variants, her words filled with enthusiasm and confidence was a reassurance. It silently said, “Thanks for doing your part, now let us take over”. Hope the kids will bounce back and realign themselves in no time with such wonderful mentors.
