When Frustration Steals My Joy as a Parent During COVID-19 Lockdown

Frustration steals my joy. I awake with worry and frustration every day now. Controlling my worry is a full-time job that I struggle daily to conquer.

Every day we wake up to watch the news, nervous about what will change next. What new rules will be implemented today? What new barriers will they put in place? Will we ever go back to “normal” again?

Being told what to do and how to do it is frustrating and overwhelming. You feel unheard and small and struggle to find what is right for your family.

Being frustrated steals my joy, I know this, but still the frustration lingers…

Frustration with the idea that we are supposed to stay home. I long for the freedom to jump in the car and simply go have coffee with a friend.

Frustration that I am not a better and more creative cook. Frustration that I am not a better meal planner so I can go to the store less. I long to go eat out at a restaurant, and hear the noise of the busy loud restaurant.

Frustration with the idea that we are supposed to automatically know how to home school our children. I long for the ability to be better organized and the confidence that I am teaching in a way that is best suited for my child.

Frustration for those mothers and their children who are immunocompromised. Frustration for the elderly and their fear of getting sick.

Frustration that I am nervous about leaving the house. Frustration that I am not stronger in my confidence to handle what fear and anger others may exhibit.

I long to be able to go to the store and linger, seeing sparkly and pretty things that make me smile. I long for summer and hope the heat will eradicate this virus. I long to be able to confidently go back out into the world again.

Frustration that the longer this lasts, the harsher the consequences on our world. Frustration at the lack of transparency in what is going on, without the drama and skewed numbers.

Frustration that I am bogged down and unable to be the “fun and happy mom” I typically am. I long to happily hug my child when they come bursting out of the school doors.

Frustration that I forget to cut myself a break. We need to be kind to others, but also to ourselves. I long to be back to my “joyful self” and will strive to look forward to the day ahead and commit to creating moments of happiness and laughter.

Choose to create and relish in moments of joy and happiness, big or small, each and every day. Concentrate on the successes of each day and what is working, instead of looking at what is lacking.

While things are worrisome and frustrating, don’t forget to see and acknowledge the beauty and joy around you.

Please be kind. Be kind to those around you as well as yourself. Be determined to not let frustration steal your joy.

For more on parenting during quarantine, check out the following stories from our community:

• Creative Activities to Try With Your Kids While We’re Isolated at Home
• How We Can Promote Continuity in Special Education Programs During the COVID-19 Pandemic
• What to Do When Your Child on the Autism Spectrum’s Routine Is Disrupted by the Coronavirus
• 25 Hilarious (and Sweet) Photos That Show What Parenting During COVID-19 Is Really Like
• What It’s Like Parenting a Medically Complex Child During the Coronavirus Outbreak
• Why I’m Inspired by This ‘Hard Email’ a Mom Sent About COVID-19 and School Work