Mother’s Day: 10 things a quarantined mom would like to receive

Motherhood is difficult, but being mother in the time of the COVID-19 is extra-challenging.

We now need to be exceptionally skilled at logistics (scheduling grocery trips are tricky), advanced home economics, budgeting, in-house discipline, and education.

And all of these are done while experiencing a sense of helplessness and the daily fatigue that are all tied to the fear of infection and the isolation of the extended quarantine.

Mother’s Day is on May 10, and though there will be no more hotel buffets, spa dates, surprise staycations or plane tickets, there are very many other things children can give their mom. 

1. Order in something for me

Just so I won’t spend another day cooking three meals for several people. On a non-pandemic Mother’s Day, a piece of steak would be great, but now, a simple burger with a side of fries would do. Have some food delivered for your siblings and dad, too! Wine would be nice, but there’s a liquor ban. In case ordering food is out of budget, as it most often is... 

2. Eat what we cook for you

Going to the supermarket is a life-or-death situation these days, and now isn’t the time to ask for your special cereal/chichirya/fancy caffeinated drink. Be a sweetie and don’t complain when we whip up something from whatever is left over in the fridge, or from a relief pack. I promise there will be better days.

Photo by Tanaphong Toochinda on Unsplash

3. Don’t do any horseplay for now

Or something dangerously stupid like stick your head into a windowpane or skateboard down the stairs. Now is definitely not the time to go to the Emergency Room in any hospital for a split lip that needs stitches, or become another patient for our already maxed-out healthcare workers.

4. Finish your homework

Complete your work sheets without me nagging you about it. Submit those e-modules before the weekend. Be nice to your teacher and your classmates when you go live online. Be nice to me if I have to tutor you. Actual school may be months (or a year) away, but this isn’t what you would call a “vacation”—education is still important.

5. Don’t jump into my Zoom meeting

I am not turning into the next BBC parent, and Momma can’t lose her job. Give me the space to complete my work-from-home duties, in between looking for missing toys and cooking lunch. The faster I could finish my work, the sooner we can all play together. But maybe I should download some Zoom backgrounds, just in case.

6. Keep quiet for an hour (or more)

Especially if we are all living in a small space. Think twice before asking me to open the tight lid of a jar of peanut butter—your dad or kuya are probably just there. Give me the luxury of finishing my K-drama, or a single episode of Ugly/Delicious uninterrupted. Maybe I’ll use that hour to paint my nails (oh, I miss the salon), or even just to sleep.

7. Look up from your gadget and give me a hug

Yes, I’m here!  Peel yourself away from playing Fornite for a minute and acknowledge the presence of your mother. I might even give you a cupcake as a reward. But on the other hand, if you’re all grown up and living apart from us, then pick up your gadget and call me, Messenger-vid me, Zoom me, do old-fashioned Skype; that could be your virtual hug from far away.

8. By all means, do not sneak out

This assurance can be your gift to me, as it will keep me sane for the rest of the pandemic. Stay out of trouble, just don’t. And that goes without saying—under any circumstance, any day and every day. Going out if you are 20 years old and below is not allowed, and it is dangerous, health- and safety wise. If we all stay in, the sooner we can see our friends again.

9. Be optimistic

I know this is a bit much to ask for, especially for my grade-schooler son who keeps on insisting it’s the end of the world. But if there’s anyone who’s supposed to survive this, it is someone from your generation, since you will have to populate, educate, and lead the post-pandemic world. So; study hard, drink your vitamins, and believe something good will all come out of this.

10. Stay alive
Regardless of what happens to the rest of the world in the next few years, having a complete, healthy, and safe family should be the first thing to focus on. Staying alive is the ultimate gift to me and all mothers, and this is all that we live and love for.

And so: keep still, stay safe, and wash your hands. We will get through this. Love, Mom.

— LA, GMA News