Being a single parent has it’s struggles already but throw a global pandemic on top of and whew! None of us had any idea how long this would all last. I remember leaving work on March 17, with my computer and a few files thinking Id be back in a few weeks. A few weeks turned into 6 months. Initially it was great. I didn’t have to get dressed up and worry about commuting in or rushing home to pick my son up from daycare before closing time. Then all those weeks started to run together. I must admit there were a few times when I felt slightly overwhelmed. Trying to work and keep my two-year-old entertained throughout the day was hard.
While I do have a strong support system in my family, it is sometimes hard to ask for help. Mom guilt I suppose. As moms we feel the need to bear the brunt of the load and that it is somehow a sign of weakness when you can’t. I had to get to a place of admitting to myself that it is okay to not be okay sometimes. We all are feeling the pain of this quarantine. That doesn’t make you any less of a parent than anybody else. It’s also okay to take some time to yourself. For me, I started taking a long soak after putting my son to bed. I also wake up a bit earlier in the morning and have my coffee while reading before starting work.
We are in unprecedented times right now. So, give yourself some grace. It’s okay to not be okay sometimes.
