Our idea of family may have changed a ton—there are new roles and routines to adjust to and new highs and new lows. Yet, through it all, it can be helpful to remind ourselves of the people in our lives who are there for us, whether in person or over the phone. Here are the ways our team at Verywell has learned to appreciate family. Even if it means staying apart, there are always opportunities to come closer together.
We’re Keeping in (Virtual) Touch
“FaceTime is our go-to means of communication now. It hasn’t changed our relationship, but it is very calming to see everyone’s faces and see that they still are smiling.” —Rob Stephen, VP, Marketing “I talk to my parents on the phone every day, which has always been the norm for me. They’ve been taking the situation seriously, which lets me worry (a little) less. My mom has gotten into listening to podcasts and audiobooks as she takes walks around the neighborhood, so I’m happy she’s staying active.” —Nicole Kwan, Associate Editorial Director
We’re Making Memories
“I feel more grateful than ever to have a family that looks out for each other—and chooses to stay positive. We’re a tight-knit crew and haven’t missed a beat when it comes to celebrating life’s happier moments—including a virtual Easter scavenger hunt, a toast to my cousin’s engagement moments after it happened, and a bridal shower complete with games and a sing-a-long for my younger sister. “One of my favorite moments so far, though, has to be ‘Zooming’ with my 100-year-old grandmother. We usually just chat on the phone while I take a walk break outside, but it was so comforting to see her face (and sometimes just shots of her ceiling!) through this type of technology. “Whenever we talk, she always has wise words to share: ‘Let’s all just make it through this as healthy and happy as we can be given the circumstances. If we get to be together this summer and celebrate all the things we have planned, well, that’s just the icing on the cake.’” —Emily Rose, Senior Editorial Director
We’re Witnessing Milestones
“I’m actually talking to my family more now than I did before. I live almost 1,000 miles away from my dad and sister, but because of the distance, we’ve been picking up the phone and checking in on each other more frequently.
“Maybe it’s because we just have more time on our hands, but I like to think of it as having more time to care for one another. And who can say no to video chatting with your sister so you can watch your 6-month-old niece taste pureed peas for the first time?”
—Shelby Daley, Quality Assurance Editor
“I’m spending a lot more time with my family since we’re all home together. It’s been great to spend more time with all of them and try to slow down how quickly they’re growing up. I’ve been loving my 10-month-old baby’s wiggly steps he takes around the house and am happy to be around to see it in person.”
—Brian Piccione, Tech Lead
We’re Finding Comfort in Connection
“The group chat I have with my family is definitely getting more action than it did in the past! We’ve also done a few FaceTime calls with my parents, which has been nice. Generally, I feel closer to family than I usually do, and that’s been a positive thing.” —Mark Lewis, Director, Product “Most of my family is used to staying in touch frequently because we live in different states. However, during this time, hearing their voices and seeing their faces is very important and provides me comfort knowing everyone is doing well! “In addition to our normal group texts and calls, we are making time for video calls and even playing games with the little ones virtually!” —Hannah Hashmi, Senior Marketing Manager
We’re Spending More Quality Time
“Time together—this is our silver lining in all of this. We are a family of four (my kids are 11 and 9), and we are usually constantly dividing and conquering our lives with all of their sports, activities, school, and social commitments. Now we are just enjoying each other—and dividing and conquering household chores!” —Beth Selig, Senior Director, Strategic Partnerships
We’re Making Future Plans
“My sister had to cancel my nephew’s fourth birthday party. Living in a different state, I don’t get that many opportunities to see them, so these cancellations are hitting pretty hard. “I feel like the first thing I’d like to do when this is over is spend a weekend back home, whether or not it is part of any event.” —Nick Ingalls, Senior Editor
We’re Having Family Dinners
“I have been participating in Zoom calls with my entire family (10 people). We actually are seeing each other more now as a group than before COVID-19. We eat our dinner together and just catch up.” —Natalie Maneval, Editor
We’re Putting Things in Perspective
“I am cherishing every moment I get to spend with my son and not getting as frustrated or impatient when he says ‘No’ (a toddler’s favorite word!) or throws a tantrum when he doesn’t want to take a bath. “I just kind of laugh because I realize in the grand scheme of things, it doesn’t really matter. I just feel really grateful to be able to spend some extra time together.” —Rachel Berman, General Manager “My brother and I are staying with our parents in Massachusetts, and so far, things have been good. It’s been an interesting experience living together as a family again. “The biggest lesson I’m learning from the experience is patience. It’s easy to feel on edge when life right now feels so fraught. But I think the most important thing to remember is that everyone is processing their emotions differently. “Keeping things in perspective might mean taking a breath before reacting to something, vocalizing your boundaries, and practicing compassion constantly.” —Kate Nelson, Assistant Editor Creative Alternatives to Family Gatherings During COVID-19 Helping Kids Cope With Missed Activities During Coronavirus
