National Post (National Edition)
Lessons learned as a parent in the pandemic
Like millions of parents, my children headed “back to school” this past week. This time was even more precious to me than their first day at kindergarten. I silently prayed that this would be another step towards returning to some semblance of “normalcy” as a society.
Admittedly, there was also a feeling of dissonance because of the many lessons that I learned over the past six months, and the tacit hope that I will never forget them.
I discovered many things about myself as a parent, and also, as a member of society; I hope to cherish these revelations long past COVID-19, and I would encourage every parent to consider these lessons with me.
COVID has brought carnage to our economy and our communities, and if we let it, it will have a lasting impact on our children.
But what if we were determined to share with our children the greatest lesson of all: that we as parents are enough?
There are plenty of academic subjects I don't feel comfortable teaching my high-school-aged son, and I honour teachers for their patience and dedication to educating the next generation. I see teachers as playing a loco parentis role for a few hours a day and recognize what an immense labour of love it is to educate a child.
The memories of daily meals together, baking with my daughter and finding time for the smaller things underscored the value of just being present with my kids. That it is more impactful than many of the material possessions that we rush around trying to provide for them. I am also conscious of the fact that for some children home is not a safe place and of course there are always exceptions to my experience. But for most families in Canada, having children and parents spend more time together has given us a greater appreciation of each other.
As my children returned to school this week, I thought of ways to preserve the extra family time I have had with them since March, ways to continue the extra conversations and discussions at dinner. During COVID, those of us with children have been forced to not only be parents but educators, and we made it through. I personally pledge to continue these discussions with my kids about their worries and fears — and even to continue to talk politics with them!
I'm excited for my son to head back to high school and my daughter to college, and I won't forget the lessons that I learned during our extended summer at home.
I learned that even during the busiest, craziest year of my life, having dinner together brought us closer.
I learned that in a year of the utmost stress and with life in upheaval we could find the time for meaningful and honest conversations.
So many parents told me throughout this race that they are concerned about values being taught to their kids at school.
And I am well aware that for many parents, private school or homeschooling may not be possible for a variety of reasons. But you are still your child's first educator. No teacher, no matter how excellent, can replace you.
No government should ever make you afraid to talk to your kids. Nobody can ever love your child and care about their well-being as much as you do.
Life is not back to “normal” yet, but I won't let a desire to return to a pre-COVID way of life let me forget some of the lessons that I have learned during this time.
I want to be a better parent than I was pre-COVID. I want to remember the place that I have in my children's lives and many of you have shared this same sentiment with me.
COVID has been devastating on multiple levels, but we don't have to let it be a long-term tragedy for our families.
As I campaigned for a stronger, and more independent Canada, I met many families that had become stronger and more independent through these tough times.
I believe that if our families continue on that path, the country will soon follow.
I THOUGHT
OF WAYS TO PRESERVE THE EXTRA FAMILY TIME.
National Post
Leslyn Lewis is a former leadership candidate for the Conservative Party of Canada. She is a mother of two, a small business owner and a practising lawyer for over 20 years. She holds a PhD in international law and a masters in environmental studies.