As we come upon a year into this pandemic, there are people that we haven’t seen during this whole time. Isolation with little kids is rough when you can no longer run out to the library for storytime, make a Target run or play with friends and family.
While the beginning of the pandemic had everyone in isolation, slowly, we began to emerge from our caves.
Certain people rose to the top of the list when it came to visiting, and I am so grateful because they have made this time bearable.
With everyone staying home, we soon decided who would be in our pandemic bubble.
It was small but has served to preserve everyone’s sanity. My kids’ grandparents have been essential in helping us get through this time.
Having special visits with grandma and grandpa have been bright spots for my kids {and me} as playdates have all but disappeared. I used to plan something outside of the house at least once or twice a week, so this was a massive shift in mentality and patience not to be able to do this anymore.
These visits with my kids’ grandparents have brought us all closer.
Many women complain about their in-laws, but I love mine, and they have been a welcome reprieve for me during this time of isolation. They are the ones that visit and babysit.
They play with the kids, and I can take a few minutes to breathe. They distract them and bring them presents. My kids always look forward to their visits.
I love my kids more than anything, but getting a break once in a while is key to avoiding insanity. It can be all-consuming and can burn you out as a mom, especially in the world we are in now.
It is honestly more of a pain in the ass to try to go out now. It was a pain in the ass before the pandemic, but now, it doesn’t even seem worth it to try.
Having grandparents come over has made all the difference.
It gives all of us something to look forward to during the week. My kids will ask about these visits and look forward to them for days. It helps break up the monotony, boredom, and just the week in general.
Schedules are so important for kids, but it can be hard to adhere to one without the structure of outside activities.
Most days, the only consideration is naptime, and the rest of what we need to do can just be fit in whenever. These visits help me to plan and organize my entire week.
We got to pick who got into our exclusive pandemic bubble, and grandparents were top priority.
Getting to see them throughout this whole thing has been the one silver lining in an otherwise crappy year.
I’m so grateful that they have been able to visit with us.
It has been rewarding and sanity-preserving for everyone involved. Even when things get closer to normal, we will still prioritize these visits and preserve what they have taught us throughout this pandemic. Grandparents are awesome, and I want my kids to spend as much time with them as possible.