Motherly Advice from Haley Watson on Surviving Co-Vid
Here’s an obvious assertion we can all agree on: the coronavirus pandemic has changed life for all of us. For some of us, a world in a state of constant flux has left us feeling uneasy and overwhelmed. We fear the fact that we don’t know what will happen next. Others, like Flagler Beach native and all around shredder Haley Watson, have learned to embrace the disarray during these uncertain times. And let me tell you, rolling with the punches is looking more and more like the sound approach to taking on this pandemic, especially for parents navigating this crisis.
Watson is a new mother to her evidently rambunctious and adventurous 15-month son, Mason. Before dedicating herself full time to raising her son with husband Nic, Watson was already preparing herself for a newfound life of controlled chaos. Working as an event coordinator for a large corporation up until the day that Mason was born, Watson has already worked to adapt from life as a full-time employee to that of a stay at home mom. For her, this pandemic is just another way in which life as she knew it has changed. So how does she handle it all? The Surf Station set to find out.
Surf Station: What are some of the biggest challenges that you’ve faced taking care of your little one during the Co-Vid madness?
Haley: We are so bummed that the parks and playgrounds are closed at the moment because Mason is super adventurous and a total outdoors baby, who has recently perfected his running and climbing skills!
Surf Station: What are some of the things that you’ve been doing to pass the time with your family when dealing with beach limitations and business closures?
Haley: We live in Daytona Beach Shores, where (luckily!) our beaches were only completely closed for one measly day. Mason has EVERY toy in the world but insists on playing with his surfboard. He has a little green 5’6” soft top without fins. As soon as he sees it, he points and screams in excitement “BAAUUURRR!” which is baby talk for “surfBOARD” haha. We have been going to the beach almost every day for a short time where he loves to push the board around in the tide pools, and even catch a few waves with Mama! The other day, we caught a small wave together all the way to the sand, and afterward Mason was so stoked! He clapped his hands and did the baby sign-language for “more please”! Other than the beach, we pass the time by going on family bike rides, playing in the yard, reading books, “helping” Mama cook, and anything else we can think of!
Surf Station: What advice would you have for other moms that are feeling the pressure of having their children 24/7 right now?
Haley: It’s a huge adjustment going from your regular routine to having a child 24/7. It’s almost like culture shock in a way. I remember feeling overwhelmed when I went from working full-time to being a stay at home mom. I literally worked up until the day before Mason was born! So honestly, I’m personally not experiencing much difference because I’m already used to having my son all day everyday. BUT if I had any piece of advice for mommas who might be feeling pressure or overwhelmed, it would be to embrace the chaos. Take the good with the bad. Things aren’t always going to be perfect, and it’s totally okay to feel “off” once in a while! But know this season too shall pass. Just keep trying to do your best.
Surf Station: Have there been any unexpected obstacles that you’ve run into when it comes to keeping your family happy and healthy right now?
Haley: Nothing specific comes to mind. My husband, Nic, is a fishing boat Captain so normally this time of the year he’s very busy and we wouldn’t usually see him much. But with business being slow, it is such a treat to be able to spend this extra time with him. Mason is so much fun right now, learning new things everyday and it’s awesome he’s here to experience it with us. The weather has been beautiful and the waves have actually been pretty fun this month. Nic made the comment one day that all of this was so nice! He realized he has not been on land to see or enjoy springtime in 16 years since he’s usually always working! We’re trying to soak up every moment because we know it’s not likely to have this opportunity again soon.
Surf Station: We’re going to make this really easy for all of the partners and kiddos out there (especially with Mother’s Day quickly approaching). What would the perfect “Co-Vid friendly” Mother’s Day in your mind?
Haley: Get creative! For my birthday earlier this month, my boys picked flowers for me from around the neighborhood, and used sidewalk chalk to write a sweet birthday message with some “artwork” on our porch so I’d see it when I opened the window. Dinner was easy takeout from one of our favorite restaurants, paired with a cold beer. Things don’t have to be fancy to make mom feel loved and appreciated. Bonus points for sending her (alone!) to get away from the house for a little bit, even if it’s just to go for a drive around town or get to go surf for an hour!
