Pandemic Motherhood Diary, Entry 4: Trading in nap time for work

February 18, 2022 |
Pandemic Motherhood Diary Entry 4 for WP featured photo (1200 x 628 px) (5)

This is the fourth entry in our series on the experience of raising two “pandemic kids.” Read Entry 3 here.

It is after 1 p.m. and I am typing peacefully to the soundtrack of my boys snoring. I have officially traded in my nap time with my kids for quiet time to work remotely. I landed a part-time job blogging for a law firm and although writing is my niche, I am in unfamiliar territory when it comes to juggling my mom-of-two duties while meeting my deadlines. My time, or whatever those moments were that I would normally squeeze in to rejuvenate, look a little different nowadays. 

I had been wondering what working would look like for me since the start of the pandemic. I recall working remotely full-time during the summer of year one of COVID-19. It was challenging to meet quotas while pausing to breastfeed my then six-month-old. Fast forward to now: I find myself typing with one hand while I cradle my newborn in my other arm. My toddler can usually be found dancing and singing to various renditions of the ABC or numbers song from his tablet while I occasionally chime in.

What has been challenging is trying to manage the unpredictability of my kids. Aside from knowing when they both need sustenance and keeping them clean, there are days when life throws me a draw four card. Maybe my toddler throws a tantrum over what snacks he does or does not want. Maybe my newborn pukes more than usual or decides to forego sleeping when he normally would be. I have to readjust at every unexpected turn and proceed to make it work. 

Although things are constantly changing and some days are more challenging than others, I am grateful for the opportunity. Finding doable remote work is a lifesaver for many and I’m just happy to still be able to stay home with my kids.

Melissa Menny is an author with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism. She is a poet and a writer in all aspects. When she is not working, she enjoys painting, music, and spending time with her husband and two sons.