It feels like it’s been forever since everything was normal, doesn’t it? It was so long ago that kids went to school, that many of us went to our workplaces, that we could just jump in the car and run to the store and pick up a few items on a whim. We’ve been quarantined for what feels like forever, with the end not quite yet in sight.

This is our normal now, but it’s not something that we asked for, expected, or were prepared for. I don’t think that there’s a manual anywhere that is called “How To Navigate A Pandemic With Your Kids And Family”. As such, most of us are making it up as we go along.

Parents are riding this train whether they want to or not. Moms are anywhere between daily crafts and adventures and daily meltdowns over virtual schooling and hoping that this ends like yesterday. Sometimes you’re feeling and experiencing all those things in one day. Maybe you’re stressed out because you still work outside the home and that presents a whole other set of worries. Maybe you’re so over virtual school and you couldn’t care less about it, or maybe you’re worried that your children aren’t learning enough. Maybe you’re super happy because you finally found something you’ve been searching for at the market. You’re probably wondering if you’re doing this right.

Sit back. Take a breath. Have some coffee, some tea, seltzer, wine, whatever. Breathe some more.

You’re going great. You’re doing this right because you’re doing your best. And even on those days that you might not give it your best because you’re tired, you’re frustrated, you have no clue what is actually going on…you’re still doing an awesome job. You’re navigating your family through something they’ve never done before. You’re doing this! Don’t stress over what everyone else is doing, now or ever. You will get through this and come out better on the other side.

You’re doing great, mama.