My kids are back to college—during COVID
Photo credit: United Nations COVID-19 on Unsplash
My two little ones are back at school in Boston. My “little ones,” as I call them, are 20 and 21! They have chosen to go back and continue with their education on their own. Their university will have them take both virtual and in-person classes.
I do remember when they arrived from Boston back in early March. We were all learning to live a “new norm” and we thought it was going to be only for a little while. Since then, several months have passed. COVID-19 is still out, and our risk of having it is still high, but life has also insisted that we keep going.
It does not matter if our kids are in college, or in high school, in middle school or elementary school. We are all living this uncertain reality and a new norm. If your kids will attend school virtually and you have to go to work (virtually or in-person) the reality is still not easy. Like you, there are many mothers and fathers going through the same reality. The question, now, is how can we be resilient and practice mental toughness in this moment?
When it comes to taking care of ourselves, resilience and mental toughness are great tools—but they’re not easy to practice at the present moment. Instead of fighting the new norm, we need to accept what is happening and find a way to still function under new standards. By accepting the reality, not dismissing it, and by setting goals that are feasible, ones where our values and beliefs are part of our grand plan, we continue building the world we want to see.
Our reality was the same as everyone else in the world when life went into lockdown: We did not leave the house, we cooked, we cleaned, and, instead of me showing my love by presenting everything as perfect at home, we simply kept one another company. What COVID-19 taught me is that even if I was unable to make life perfect for them, even if I could not develop a solution to fix the problem, I could still show love.
As a Jewish mother, I always felt that I was always going to be there for my children and my husband, to support them, love them, help them, cheer them, inspire them, teach them and spoil them with my delicious food and treats—to give them a hand and a shoulder in those moments they are in need. The conclusion of my thought process at home during our time together in lockdown was: “You can accept what is happening and be realistic.”
I started focusing on what could help bring joy to my current reality. By creating abundance in myself, I was also bringing abundance to my family—that is the ultimate expression of this mother’s love. It took weight from my shoulders. This shift empowered myself and it empowered those around me.
Going into survival mode was not helping. The need of protection was coming from my heart, but at the beginning of the lockdowns I was not applying what I was taught in my own life-coaching journey. At one point it felt like we were in the middle of the jungle and could, at any moment, become COVID prey. If I wanted a shift, I needed to change the default settings of survival mode and focus on being proactive. My kids are old enough and they will need to figure this out—and they can do it.
We want to empower our future generation to become the best version of what they choose to be and not want we want them to be. It is critical our kids own their journey of life. I feel this is my biggest contribution, as a mom, to make this world a better place. By shifting my energy, and by creating abundance into my life, I am able to empower those around me to be proactive and lead from their hearts. Even during COVID.
If you are someone scared or angry at this current situation, please ask yourself “How can I bring a narrative of possibility into this reality and lead those around me?” This will have an impact in your home, in your marriage, with your extended family, with your employees and employers—in your everyday life.
Understanding the impact of empowerment, after we’ve accepted the current circumstances, can become a game-changer and shift our perspectives and the perspectives of those around us. This will help you elevate your energy and observe what is happening from another level—one in which life finds a way.
NOTE: This post is not intended to recommend in-person or virtual education. It is to simply share that it’s important, even during this time, for each family to decide what is right for them. Every family is different and no one should judge what is right for you.
My kids are young adults and at voting age. My husband and I decided that we have to trust them and be confident that we taught them well since they were born. We have to let them fly on their own, take their risks, and also take responsibility.
