Photo: iStock/fizkes
It’s not the most relaxing moment to be a parent to kids under five years old. All of our loved ones, in-laws and even some animals at the zoo are able to be vaccinated against COVID-19, but not the tiniest humans. Parents of young kids don’t just need a break—we need an all-inclusive rehabilitation centre (with attached spa). As we weather round after round of isolation periods with unendingly symptomatic children prohibited from attending daycares and preschools, in the dead of winter, no less, comfort yourself with the knowledge that other parents are in a similar pit of despair and chaos. Hey, at least you’re not alone. (Remember being alone?)
There are a few behavioural symptoms, ranging from mild to severe, that you might recognize if you’re in the middle of a self-isolation period with small children. The only known cure is a long vacation that you’re not likely to take any time soon. So for now, we self-diagnose, self-soothe with reality television when we occasionally get a turn with the remote and pray to whoever is listening for an early spring and a vaccine for little kids.
Here are 20 signs you might have isolated with small children one too many times (or 15!):
These are just some of the many reported signs and symptoms of isolating with your kids. Research continues, but for now, it is important to take calming breaths and convince yourself that Everything Is Fine, This Is All Completely Normal. It’s best to say this in a monotone, facing the bathroom mirror with your eyes jarringly wide open and with a vacant stare.
As someone who is still trapped on this level of hell, I cannot help you, but I can recommend screaming into a pillow until you go hoarse, posting your home for a house-swap in Hawaii, and emailing me if you figure out how to make this all stop.
Yours in shared madness,
A Fellow Mom in Endless Isolation
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