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A lot can be said about the pandemic that makes us sad, angry, and frustrated. But if we take a step back and look at the big picture, several things have happened for good due to the pandemic. It might be hard to admit it because of all the loss, pain, fear, suffering, and panic the coronavirus has brought into our lives. But there is no denying that there are things that have become better.
We might not want to admit it to ourselves, but the global pandemic made us slow down and savor life. People got a chance to spend some quality time with family that they had not done in years because of hectic job schedules. Many people discovered newfound talents and hobbies because they were forced to stay at home. Not to mention the pandemic’s positive impact on the environment by reducing pollution levels and increasing flora and fauna.
With distance learning and work from home becoming the new normal, parents have become accustomed to it and enjoy the extra time on their hands that otherwise would have been spent on commuting. So maybe it’s not all that bad, and it’s time to look at the other side of the pandemic. Here are five gains that parents enjoy and don’t want to lose when things go back to normal:
1. Quality Time With Family
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With every family being forced to stay at home, parents and children spend quality time with each other. Eating meals together, sharing a cup of tea/coffee every evening, playing board games, or watching movies as a family unit are things people had forgotten before the pandemic hit. Many youngsters who moved away from home for jobs went back to their families because of remote work, allowing them to make up for lost time with their loved ones.
2. Increased Flexibility In Work
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Because of work from home, parents have the flexibility of juggling their kids, chores, and office work with ease. Once things return to normal, parents might find it hard to adhere to strict office timings and endless work hours. Do you think companies will give you the freedom to work as you please when things return to normalcy?
3. Slow Down Instead Of Always Rushing
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Every parent had a hectic day from the time they opened their eyes in the morning to when they fell asleep at night. The pandemic has slowed down everyone’s life and freed up some time to relax. While it’s normal to miss socializing with friends, it’s also pretty great that you can do things on your own terms without giving in to societal pressure.
4. Pitching In For Chores
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Let’s be honest — things are not always 50-50 in every household. The women in the house still have to bear the brunt of most of the housework, even if they’re working women. But there has been a shift ever since the pandemic where both couples are equally involved in taking care of the house and kids. It makes things easier for the couple, and the burden doesn’t fall entirely onto one person. Therefore, it’s no surprise that they don’t want it to return to how things were.
5. The Ability To Say “No”
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As a society, we do a lot of things merely to fit in. But with the pandemic, people have learned to say no, more easily. Albeit using the excuse of the virus, it’s freeing to live life on your terms rather than listen to society.
While it’s difficult to focus on the positive aspects of the pandemic, it is helpful to see the silver lining. It’s nice to know that there are things about this phase that will be missed when and if things get back to normal. What aspects of the pandemic or quarantine life will you miss the most when things return to normal? Comment below and let us know.
