I believe the true heroes are all of the children who had their lives abruptly turned upside down without understanding why.
I've talked with some parents who said their kids are actually happy they don't have to go to school but that's not my kids. They are upset because of it.
Last week my daughter told me she wanted to talk to a guidance counselor. I told her I was there to listen anytime she wanted and later she said, "Mommy, can you be my guidance counselor right now?" So, we went into my bedroom, shut the door, and laid in bed snuggled up together. She laid out her heart and all that was bothering her and I listened and offered advice. We kept talking until she was able to smile again. It ended with a little tickling session, which always has her cracking up with laughter and that's my favorite thing to hear.
This girl has always been super sensitive and has a heart that loves hard. She cares so much about people and this virus has her sad for those who have it. She's also hurting because of not getting to be in school where she can be in the classroom with her teachers and friends. She's someone who needs that connection and misses playdates. A few weeks ago when we learned that school was to remain closed for the rest of the year she cried loudly, on and off for several days. A few of her teachers knew how much she was struggling and wanted to Zoom with her one on one last week, which she loved but at the same time seemed to make her miss it all more. The director at dance also decided not to continue back with dance and the June recital has been cancelled. That made things so much worse for her.
My kids have expressed their opinions on the governor and his decision to close school and I let them speak their mind. They have that right. They are hurting. I have explained why the government and health care workers feel it's necessary for all of us to 'shelter in place' but these are children who had to give up so many things they were looking forward to … that's not going to change how disappointed they are.
I'm trying hard to help them make the best of these days. They get through their schoolwork, and the rest of the day is for light chores and plenty of playtime. I also never, ever, ever let them know how frustrated or sad I am at times, even if I have to fake a smile. But my daughter comes with her own emotions and it's sometimes scary. I never want my kids to go through anything I have experienced, especially depression.
My daughter is emotional, affectionate and sweet. She's constantly wanting to give me hugs and kisses and always asks me to be with her, especially lately. She needs that comfort. She'll be smiling and laughing and then suddenly start whining and crying over the smallest things, but to her they are big things.
I'm as encouraging as I can be with my kids and assure them that this will all be over eventually so we need to make the best of this constant time at home together. But they are the ones suffering right now, unfortunately.