Coronavirus is big news these days. So many are dying from it and it's spreading rapidly. It was abroad, now it's in my state. People are concerned. They feel the need to prepare for the worst. Costco sold out on water this weekend. That's a big deal. I received a flier this weekend from Public Health listing the normal things I'd expect. Stock up on water, food and essentials.
Then it lists other things to think about like prepare for healthcare providers to be full, stay away from public places, etc. This one really caught my attention: decide who will watch the kids if schools are closed.
Because I'm a stay-at-home mom, I had to think about the implications of that for a minute. There are some serious advantages to being a stay-at-home mom if this is how your life has panned out. I never have to worry about who will watch the kids, someone is always available to do the shopping, driving, errands, cooking, cleaning, homework help, play dates, birthday parties, sick kid care, and whatever happens on a particular day with the kids.
We tried the two parents working thing at the beginning of our marriage. To be more accurate it was two parents trying to study at the University. When we had our first child, I decided one of us had to be doing all those things listed above. So, I quickly graduated and only had to cancel a double major in a field I didn't want to go into. Full time parenting has always been my choice.
It's easier on our marriage for Ryan to be able to do the money earning and me to do the rest. Don't worry- he's helpful with my chores and I'm helpful by always spending less than he makes. The way we're set up, things like Coronavirus don't have to be a major discussion of who will work and who won't. If the kids can't go to school, I'll entertain, nurse them back to health and teach them at home. Fun job for me if they don't get sick. Ryan will keep working, but switch all work trips to internet calls.
