My family was discussing what aspects of this quarantine period they appreciate, and here is some of what they shared:

• no rushing, being able to go at a more relaxed pace
• enjoying being at home and participating instead of feeling there’s something else you’d rather be doing and resenting being asked to help out
• family meals three times a day
• working together on projects
• being more patient and kind to your siblings
• my husband working from home
• no need to get the younger boys to school and from school and therapies

Having moved a month ago and having a bigger space has been a nice plus, but everyone felt we would have done just fine if we had stayed where we were, too. Some things would have been different, but we would have still enjoyed being together.

It takes time to learn to be together around the clock. Lots of families are feeling very challenged by this, and it’s okay to not love it and it’s okay to want it to be over.

But it’s also an opportunity many families are enjoying. One father told my son, “I realized I never knew who my kids were, and now I’m getting to know them.” There’s now a global opportunity to experience a deeper level of connection with our families.

If you’re struggling, realize you can make your thoughts work for you by shifting perspectives. There are plenty of negatives that we can all find and if you focus on that, it’s going to be hard! Being able to view this time as a positive opportunity is the first step to opening the door to a more positive and enjoyable experience.

For me, the togetherness and being able to make our own schedule has always been the best part of homeschooling, and I’m really loving having that again!

Avivah