As a parent in isolation, I am struggling with homeschooling and working simultaneously. My grey hairs are multiplying (with no hope of dyeing over them anytime soon) and though my ‘struggles’ are not really problems, like many, I’m feeling overwhelmed and worried. Still, during this most odd and stressful time, I can’t help but also notice glimmers of joy. There are beautiful moments of good blooming out of an otherwise grim time in our history.

I currently have a houseful of teens. Parents of teens are discovering the unique challenges isolation presents for this age group. So far, I’m surviving the outrageous amounts of teen hormones, constant snacking, sleeping until all hours and occasional eye roll. But in order to do so, there are a few reminders I have to give myself regularly:

We call it the germs.