Being a parent in the year 2021 has been challenging to say the least. With new information about the Corona Virus coming out daily, none of us really know exactly what the right thing to do is. 

Last week, we received word from the school that Mads had been identified as having “close contact” with another student who tested positive for COVID-19. Out of an abundance of caution, we elected to keep Madison out of class for a few days following guidance provided by the school district. Another option would have been to allow her to quarantine in school with other potentially infected children. After a lengthy scare, and two negative tests, Madison was allowed to return to school earlier this week. Yay!!! 

Due to some other family health concerns, we also thought it best to let Mads ride out most of the scare at her mother’s house. That also meant that Madison had to miss out on the early birthday party my family had planned for her. I was able to pick Madison up on Thursday of last week and sneak some extra time with her. Though it was a fun couple of days, it couldn’t make up for a canceled party. 

However, on Wednesday of this week, we finally got to have the party we had to put on hold. The wait made the games more enjoyable, the cake much sweeter, and the time spent way more valuable! 

Aside from some worrying about family health missing time with Mads, no matter how little, has been the hardest part of the pandemic. What has been the most difficult part of parenting through a pandemic for you? Let us know in the comments below.