Envious of moms not working in quarantine

[Anonymous]

We decided to stop staying home and travel to open states with low coronavirus numbers. I wish we did this earlier. I’m afraid to post any pictures because I know people will judge us. DH is working from “home”. We are having a lovely time.

I really wish we had left earlier. We knew others who escaped to their vacation homes back in March.

DH actually suggested going somewhere. I even posted about it here and people said my DH was an idiot. I wish I listened to DH.

[Anonymous]

I feel like if I were just doing one or the other, this would be pretty easy (mental stress aside). Like, if I were just managing home schooling, I'd be doing great! I have lots of fun ideas, etc. Or if I were just teleworking, it would rock! No commute, work in my sweats, etc. It's just doing both, at the same time, is so hard. No matter what I'm doing, I feel distracted. I just feel pretty good that we're keeping up with the assigned work from school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’m a SAHM of 3. No artistic ability whatsoever. I did buy a ton of art supplies. My oldest just turned 11 and loves art. He makes lots of cool stuff but it has nothing to do with me. His Minecraft worlds are actually quite creative once I actually paid attention to what he was building.

I make sure my kids do all their schoolwork, sign on to their various virtual lessons and meetings and play instruments.

We go on early morning outings and bike rides around the neighborhood. It is pretty damn boring. Nothing to envy over here.

As a working mom with a working husband and two younger kids, I can safely say that I would not describe the last eight weeks as remotely boring. I would kill for boring.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I feel like if I were just doing one or the other, this would be pretty easy (mental stress aside). Like, if I were just managing home schooling, I'd be doing great! I have lots of fun ideas, etc. Or if I were just teleworking, it would rock! No commute, work in my sweats, etc. It's just doing both, at the same time, is so hard. No matter what I'm doing, I feel distracted. I just feel pretty good that we're keeping up with the assigned work from school.

Yes, I feel like I'm failing at everything most days. It would be nice to feel like I was acing something I guess, although honestly I would be going crazy if all I was doing was stuff around my house. At least work can be an escape sometimes, even if it comes with a price.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We decided to stop staying home and travel to open states with low coronavirus numbers. I wish we did this earlier. I’m afraid to post any pictures because I know people will judge us. DH is working from “home”. We are having a lovely time.

I really wish we had left earlier. We knew others who escaped to their vacation homes back in March.

DH actually suggested going somewhere. I even posted about it here and people said my DH was an idiot. I wish I listened to DH.

What do you do in states you go to?

[Anonymous]

I'm jealous of people with a job and health care.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m a SAHM of 3. No artistic ability whatsoever. I did buy a ton of art supplies. My oldest just turned 11 and loves art. He makes lots of cool stuff but it has nothing to do with me. His Minecraft worlds are actually quite creative once I actually paid attention to what he was building.

I make sure my kids do all their schoolwork, sign on to their various virtual lessons and meetings and play instruments.

We go on early morning outings and bike rides around the neighborhood. It is pretty damn boring. Nothing to envy over here.

As a working mom with a working husband and two younger kids, I can safely say that I would not describe the last eight weeks as remotely boring. I would kill for boring.

NP and same. Nothing to envy? How about the lack of panic you feel when your boss wants something NOW or yet another colleague calls you for no freaking reason while you're trying to manage multiple Zoom calls and/or kid meltdowns?

Boring? That sounds like heaven right now.

[Anonymous]

I’m envious of working parents with good nannies who never stopped working. Those parents have no commute, work in pajamas, and still get a full days work in.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If it makes you feel better, I’m a SAHM and I’m not supplementing or doing cool projects or having “living room dance parties” or any of the things that might make a working mom feel bad. I am getting more sleep, true. And life is kinda cushy not having to drive everyone around now. But just so you know- my kids’ lives aren’t enriched right now! And we don’t have as much money as you probably do. And your career is giving you something else to think about other than, I guess I really should stand up right now. Oh nah, I’ll just keep sitting. 😂

I guess. Sometimes. But then I console myself with the fact that the entire WORLD is in the same boat. I am fortunate, too, that my kids like to read, so typically they are just lying about doing that (except after dinner when it’s a free for all mad dash for the screens). I do worry sorry if existentially that this will widen the achievement gap even more, if some families are busy hiring tutors and organizing enriching activities, and the rest of us aren’t or can’t. But no, I’m writing off this spring. If things don’t open in the fall I guess I’ll have to... learn architecture?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If it makes you feel better, I’m a SAHM and I’m not supplementing or doing cool projects or having “living room dance parties” or any of the things that might make a working mom feel bad. I am getting more sleep, true. And life is kinda cushy not having to drive everyone around now. But just so you know- my kids’ lives aren’t enriched right now! And we don’t have as much money as you probably do. And your career is giving you something else to think about other than, I guess I really should stand up right now. Oh nah, I’ll just keep sitting. 😂

But aren't you worried your kids will fall behind? Never win in science fares and won't learn architecture principals? I'm serious.

Meant to quote the above PP.

I guess. Sometimes. But then I console myself with the fact that the entire WORLD is in the same boat. I am fortunate, too, that my kids like to read, so typically they are just lying about doing that (except after dinner when it’s a free for all mad dash for the screens). I do worry sorry if existentially that this will widen the achievement gap even more, if some families are busy hiring tutors and organizing enriching activities, and the rest of us aren’t or can’t. But no, I’m writing off this spring. If things don’t open in the fall I guess I’ll have to... learn architecture?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’m envious of working parents with good nannies who never stopped working. Those parents have no commute, work in pajamas, and still get a full days work in.

ha. hahahahahahahha.

I'm in this category, but with a toddler and an early elementary student who needs intensive help with distance learning, in my dreams (and in my employer's dreams) am I getting in a full day's work. Our nanny is great, but in no way do I expect her to chase a busy toddler while trying to homeschool the older one. I couldn't do it successfully by myself; why would I expect her to? The day is all about tag-teaming. Still, I'm grateful!!!!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’m envious of working parents with good nannies who never stopped working. Those parents have no commute, work in pajamas, and still get a full days work in.

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+1. My BFF’s nanny has projects set for every day and the kids spend most of the day in the yard making bird’s nests, lava, rock jewelry, playing soccer, learning to knit and growing earthworms. My kids watch TV and fight.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m a SAHM of 3. No artistic ability whatsoever. I did buy a ton of art supplies. My oldest just turned 11 and loves art. He makes lots of cool stuff but it has nothing to do with me. His Minecraft worlds are actually quite creative once I actually paid attention to what he was building.

I make sure my kids do all their schoolwork, sign on to their various virtual lessons and meetings and play instruments.

We go on early morning outings and bike rides around the neighborhood. It is pretty damn boring. Nothing to envy over here.

As a working mom with a working husband and two younger kids, I can safely say that I would not describe the last eight weeks as remotely boring. I would kill for boring.

Another SAHM here. I feel like I am going to die of boredom. I’m not bored under normal circumstances and I don’t normally want a job but I’ve actually found myself wishing I worked. I go grocery shopping just for something to do.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If it makes you feel better, I’m a SAHM and I’m not supplementing or doing cool projects or having “living room dance parties” or any of the things that might make a working mom feel bad. I am getting more sleep, true. And life is kinda cushy not having to drive everyone around now. But just so you know- my kids’ lives aren’t enriched right now! And we don’t have as much money as you probably do. And your career is giving you something else to think about other than, I guess I really should stand up right now. Oh nah, I’ll just keep sitting. 😂

Yup. Same here. I realize how nice things are right now with no deadlines, but it makes living off one salary that much more tenuous. Also, not doing cool things. Just hanging out.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m envious of working parents with good nannies who never stopped working. Those parents have no commute, work in pajamas, and still get a full days work in.

.


+1. My BFF’s nanny has projects set for every day and the kids spend most of the day in the yard making bird’s nests, lava, rock jewelry, playing soccer, learning to knit and growing earthworms. My kids watch TV and fight.

People seriously grow earthworms?? On purpose?