Four months ago, my husband, my 2-year-old son, my dog, and my newly pregnant belly left our New York City apartment to escape the wrath of coronavirus. We packed our bags for what we thought would be a 3-week hiatus until “things slowed down.”

Now we’re not sure if we’ll ever go back.

We’ve been living in my parents’ house in Maryland for 4 months — working full-time jobs while also making sure our toddler is entertained, safe, fed, and happy. These have been the longest days of my life. There are no breaks.

But there’s so much to be grateful for, too. I love spending more time with my son, eating as a family every night, and wearing leggings and no makeup every day. Am I allowed to admit that I miss the way life was before this virus infiltrated our world, while simultaneously appreciating the step back we’ve been forced to take?

If you’re feeling the same way, our team at Healthline Parenthood understands. The articles in this collection, The Summer You’ll Never Forget, offer support for your current struggles, from fun ideas for date nights at home to ways to keep kids occupied when there’s nowhere to go.

Jamie Webber
Editorial Director, Healthline Parenthood