Last night I received a text from my six year-old grandson. It was later than he would normally be up. The text contained a meme about loving me, praying for me, and keeping me safe from the Corona virus. It made me sad to think what must be on his little mind. We chatted over text for a bit and then I asked him if he was ok. He said yes, but I know him. When he reaches out to me late like that, his mind is active. I am sure he got the meme sent to him and he forwarded to me.
It all makes me think how hard this is on the children. It also reminds me that I need to check in with them more often to give them some semblance of normality. As grandparents, it is easy to think that we are ‘bothering’ them or disturbing their crazy schedules, but what if they yearn for us as much as we yearn for them? Our texts last night closed with a promise we would talk today and a few exchanges about loving and missing each other.
One of my grandsons is a senior this year. It is a tough reality. No spring breaks, no prom, and no graduation. Even the outlook for college in the fall is questionable. Will there be a dorm experience for college freshmen? SAT requirements are being waived in some schools. Many children are choosing to take a gap year rather than paying tuition for online classes. If they do, what are the prospects for interim jobs for these kids?
One of our granddaughters is a swimmer. No practice now. Athletics will suffer and for someone pursuing future athletic scholarships, this hurts. She had lined up a lifeguard job for the summer. That will likely not happen either.
Another granddaughter is now taking guitar and piano lessons via Zoom. I guess it is part of the ‘new normal’. She says it is working well, but I know the lack of social interaction makes it less enjoyable.
I think back to these times in my life, when I was a young teen or an older teenager. It would have been a tough and frustrating way to live. Putting myself in their shoes makes me see it a little more clearly.
I just paused because my grandson FaceTimed me. I knew he was lonely when he sent me a text me last night. We chatted for a bit and will talk again after he does his school work. These are difficult times for them.
We did ask all the grandchildren to choose a fun book and we will have them shipped from Amazon. We wanted them to have something of their choosing – it does not matter what as long as their parents approve. Even comic books, graphic novels, sudoku, crosswords, sheet music, or sticker books. It’s all about having a break from the norm.
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I think these are hard times for children of all ages, or anyone in transition. It’s hard enough for people who will go back to a normal routine, but these people are supposed to be moving on to different routines. I’m glad to hear you’re helping.
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I agree, Dan. There is so much chatter about opening up. I hope we all take good care of the emotionally and physically vulnerable as we move into a new normal.
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I do, too.
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I also think about the future prospects for those who would usually be entering the job market this summer. Will there be any jobs to apply for? Will the inevitable recession see them forced into low-paid, unskilled jobs? Will they ever earn enough to get their own place, and move out of the family home? All of this will have such a great impact on society in 20-30 years time. I may not be around to see that of course, as I have had almost all of my life. But I don’t envy them the future, not one bit.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Pete, a few years back when the housing market crashed here, so many kids with exorbitant college loans ended up moving back in with their parents. It all seemed to happen at the same time. The dream of owning a home was fading for a lot of college graduates. I hold onto hope for this new generation. It may be rough sailing for a while. I wish I had more faith in my government’s handling of the situation.
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Good thoughts, Maggie.
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Thank you, Debbie.
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You made me realize how hard this must be for children … and teenagers. Friends and social activities are a huge part of adolescence that abruptly disappeared for them.
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Yes, it has been difficult to witness. I hope maybe people slow down enough to breathe through the difficulty and that both parents and children realize (to the best of their ability) how hard it is on each other.
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i pray and hope to get back to some kind of normalcy soon, Maggie. it is hard on everyone, our grandchildren included. very thoughtful post. thank you 🙂
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Thank you for your kind response, Wilma. We all crave some sense of normalcy.
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It makes me sad to think of the ways in which this pandemic has disrupted the routines of children. In the end they’ll adapt and learn from it, but in the meantime it must be scary and disheartening, especially for the senior who deserve their time in the sun. But won’t get it. Your gift of the books is brilliant. Well done.
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Thank you Ally for your supportive words. All we can do is support each other as much as we can. The children are our future.
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You are always such a thoughtful blessing to everyone. My heart breaks for all these children going thru this VERY difficult time. Childhood is supposed to be happy and carefree. Too much stress way too soon. I pray the countries of the world can survive sooner than later and there can be a sense of normalcy for most. So many lives have been lost and their loved ones will never have complete happiness again. It’s all so sad. Your family is lucky to have such a loving grandma.
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We are both fortunate to have family that we love and care for and who also love and care for us. I think we all would like a little normalcy if we even know what that is any more. How lucky am I to co-grandparent with you!
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💕
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I watch kids handle the strain differently at the moment. But they are all being affected. The important thing seems to be to recognize and accept their struggles in whatever form they take. It is important not to discount their disappointments.
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Yes. I think much of it depends on what milestones existed ahead of them. Some are irreplaceable. My grandson’s school is doing graduation in the football stadium, but only two guests can attend. At least his parents will get to see him graduate. He is our eldest grandson so it will be sad we cannot attend, but happy he will get to walk.
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I think missing a graduation would be especially hard.
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