FEATURE
Zoom, Feral Kids and Pizza: The Lighter Side of Lockdown By Annette Benedetti
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tarting in March of this year, Central Oregon families got to know their family members a little better than they imagined (or perhaps ever wanted). With the COVID-19 pandemic forcing a nationwide quarantine, parents had the opportunity (were
forced) to spend every moment with their children while providing roundthe-clock care, including schooling and entertainment. While plenty has been said about the hardships families have endured, some parents claim that being quarantined
The O’Connor Family: Kaia, Cam, Shanti and Nolan Photo by Brenden Butler
Shanti O’Connor
My son had a daily Zoom call with his class. Since he’s in third grade, he was allowed to take home his iPad. Often during his daily Zoom call, he would walk around holding his iPad while his teacher was talking. More than I’d like to admit, my son caught me in the background looking like a hot mess, hair going everywhere, and wearing super comfy clothes. One time he walked past while I was half-naked and getting dressed. I was horrified. I have no clue who saw me. My daughter, in kindergarten, would use my laptop for her daily class meetings. During most of those, she would be fully naked, her hair unbrushed for weeks, doing couch gymnastics and eating candy. I’m sure she didn’t learn a single thing in those three months. I’m pretty sure she went feral.
Nicole Gauthier
(Receiving breast cancer treatment during quarantine) “I think the biggest things I have learned is that my kids are stronger, more resilient and kinder than I hoped for. Being home 18 | BendNest.com
with their kids taught them valuable lessons, provided hilarious moments and has even been a blessing at times. With a bit of snark and a whole lot of love, the following are some silver linings and laughs local parents shared while on lockdown with their kiddos.
with them during my surgery, I had to lean on them to help me do things like shower or even pour a cup of coffee or put a pillow under my head. I learned that I am a better parent than I give myself credit for because my kids truly stepped up, never once complaining Nicole Gauthier about having to help with daughter, me at any hour of Morgan Russell the night. I learned from them that I have taught them how to be compassionate and genuine humans in this [messed up world]. I’m pretty damn proud of them. I appreciate the little things like a note tucked in my book that simply says, “For mom, I hope you feel better today. I love you.” I learned that I am not a teacher, and how much teachers are unappreciated and undervalued. Trying to get my kids to open their iPads was a chore, and teachers have 30 more kids than me. I could never be a teacher because I’d end up in jail. So, for me...I am soaking up each and every moment. I love being quarantined with my family.”
Tara Feurtado
“Thinking about what the past four months have been like for our family is a whirlwind. Times went from feeling like you were in a boat in a storm to now feeling like life is like being a battle bot. Learning how to distance learn while working full time running an emergency homeless shelter is something I have no idea how I
