Motherly Advice to Surviving Co-Vid
When it comes to stopping the spread of the coronavirus, an innocuous yet trying symptom has surfaced: total and utter boredom. Yes, we remind ourselves that staying home is the best thing that we can do to help stop this virus that has gripped the globe for weeks now. Yes, we realize that the boredom won’t actually be the cause of our demise. But realizing all of these things doesn’t take your boredom away, now does it? With so many surfers throughout the world facing beach closures, limited beach access and, in some cases, complete lock downs, we realize that this isn’t an easy time for anyone. But for a surf starved mom taking care of little ones at home, the pressure to fill the void left by coronavirus closures can seem insurmountable.
Our goal with this series, the Co-Vid Chronicles, is to gather advice and perspectives from parents in our community that have had to get creative while caring for their children in these uncertain times. Our first edition features advice from local freelance surf photographer and stay at home mom Ivy Rose Scott. Ivy epitomizes what it means to be a surf mom. As a regular contributor to our local surf report, she has created a life for her family that’s centered around surfing, the ocean, and reveling in the great outdoors. So how has coronavirus changed life for this saltwater mama? Read on to find out.
Surf Station: How many kids do you have? Ages? Names?
Ivy: I have two sons, Gabe who is 5 years old and Gavin who is almost 3 years old.
Surf Station: What are some of the biggest challenges that you’ve faced with your little ones as a mom during the corona madness?
Ivy: The biggest challenge with having kids and dealing with CoVid would have to be not being able to see family as much and not being able to be at the beach as much as we used to be. We would be at the beach swimming and surfing all day, everyday. All that energy the boys have is now inside the house which is really hard. We miss surfing and swimming, that was an outlet for all of us to release tension and stress. We’ve been trying to keep them busy with chalk, the hose outside, their little kiddie pool and lots of baths and snacks. As far as school goes, Gabe is the only kiddo in school three days a week. The hard part about having him home everyday is that he misses his friends and teachers. He looked forward to going to school to learn and be encouraged to make messes and create. He can do that at home, but he doesn’t have as much freedom and enthusiasm about learning and creating as he did at school.
Surf Station: What are some of the things that you’ve been doing to pass the time and entertain your kids?
Ivy: To pass all that time with the kids we fill up the kiddie pool and that entertains them for an entire day. We got some chalk for the sidewalk and that has been fun for the kids to create some art. They love to draw and paint. Our neighbor bought them penny boards and they have been loving skating in the driveway and on the sidewalk. They beg every hour of the day to go to the beach since it is right across the street so we take them to the boardwalk so they can smell the ocean. When it rains, we let them run around the parking lot in the rain. We do have way too much screen time to get a little quiet time. We have an outside shower with a hose and the kids will stay out there for hours taking turns spraying each other with the hose if we let them.
Surf Station: What are some of the more unexpected effects of these times that you’ve experienced as a mom?
Ivy: Definitely trying to find good ways to unleash all that energy kids have while at home. Gavin is so busy that the beach was the only thing that would calm him down. Same with Gabe, surfing and being in the ocean was a big outlet for all his energy. We are on a quiet road with a lot of elderly residents and the kids get very loud as most parents know, which has been so challenging having them outside in the yard. Since everyone is home, I feel like the neighbors are extra annoyed by all the noise my kids create. We have never had to really entertain our kids too much due to going to the beach 99% of the time since we live so close, it’s been very crazy to come up with things to keep them busy. That’s been an unexpected challenge more than anything.
Surf Station: What suggestions would you have for other moms that are feeling the stress and pressure of having their kids 24/7 during these times?
Ivy: Having the kids home all day everyday is hard. The best suggestion I have for moms during this time is to take advantage of being home with the kiddos and connect with them. Set aside some quiet time for yourself. That is super important to recollect yourself and let your mind relax every morning. I stay up an hour after everyone goes to sleep every night to look back on the day and see what went well and what didn’t go so well. I started getting up 30 minutes before everyone to my coffee while everything is still and quiet and clean. During the day, have 30 minutes of quiet time. I play a movie and give the kids a snack so I can have a little time to recollect myself. This will save your sanity. You don’t have to constantly entertain your kids. That is the best piece of advice I have ever been given. Since the boys turned six months, I have encouraged self play. They have learned to entertain themselves.
Surf Station: How have you explained the situation to your children, if at all?
Ivy: We have not told our kids what was going on. If my 5 year old asks, I will probably give him a simple answer like it’s a germ. Germs spread and if you don’t wash your hands, keep good hygiene, and eat fruits and veggies rich in minerals and vitamins, then that germ will make you really sick.
Surf Station: We’re going to make it really easy for all of the partners and kids out there: how can your family best help out a struggling mom in these times? How can we lend a hand to you superheros?
Ivy: A little prayer for sanity, patience, and strength during these trying times goes a long way! Hope we can all surf when this is all over! Stay strong my friends
Mother’s Day is right around the corner!
Click here to shop our Mother’s Day Collection!
Get $10 OFF $60 or more with coupon code: MOMSRULE
