PARENTING THROUGH A PANDEMIC
In 2020 and 2021, families missed out on support, connection, social gatherings, community, and educational programs that are essential to development and learning. Families were faced with limited options when childcare became unavailable and schools were shutdown. With everyone having to adapt to working from home, schooling from home and doing all this at the same time without support, parenting through this pandemic was nothing short of challenging. Through all the ups and downs and curveballs these families navigated Covid as best they could, even with all the highs and lows, all of these families were able to find something positive during such a trying time.
As a continuation from our “Pregnancy Through a Pandemic” creative shoot, we put together a special photo shoot for four amazing families to illustrate parenting during this time. We styled the moms and kids with beautiful clothing options from Crush Clothing and Once Upon A Child - Surrey. We want to help them feel understood, heard, and connected to their communities.
Scroll down to read the stories of these four families and view their photos.
“Time passed and things did ease, we suddenly became used to this new way of living. Wearing masks, receiving more info about what was considered low and high risk, and somehow, we settled into a “normal” way of life. I’d like to say that my anxiety decreased, but honestly, I think we have just gotten used to life in our bubbles and these levels of stress.”
“This pandemic has been extremely challenging for everyone, to say the least. Unfortunately, my own family got hit with Covid-19. My 5-year-old, 1-year-old and myself tested positive. Thankfully, my husband and our 3-year-old son tested negative. Three of us were quarantined in one bedroom for at least 10 days.”
“All three of our kids were home with us all day, every day. It wasn't easy because the two younger ones fought over toys and our attention constantly. Our son, who was five years old at the time, had just started to thrive in Kindergarten, but really struggled without the structure of school, the stimulation of learning, and the social interaction with other children his age.”
“Both my spouse and I have full time jobs where we are needed at our employment, everyday. As a mom, raising Elementary aged children and working a full-time job as a first responder, life had taken a turn for the worse and we're faced with the unexpected.”
“During this time, work was very demanding with the increase of mental health, domestic violence, and alcohol and drug use. The least to say, the time was petrifying for the most vulnerable individuals.”
— Kristina
“No programs or activities to support new mom, parents and children, no social gatherings or seeing friends and family, simple outings became anxiety riddled and things just got even quieter and more isolating.”
— Felicia
“Going through isolation took an emotional toll on all of us, including our kids. The eldest went back to school feeling embarrassed that he had Covid-19, which should not be the case. ”
— Maria
“Unfortunately, the full diagnosis turned out to be terminal cancer. So the other true blessing is the time that we have been able to spend with her, take good care of her, and hear her laugh with the kids every day.”
— Angela
Stories connect us, lift us up, and become the basis of our own survival. Together as a community, even if we are 6ft apart, is how we’ll get through this.
— Kim Forrester
Meet Kim!
Kim is mom to a sweet little boy, dog mom to a gentle giant, former hospital photographer of over 1000 babies, and international award winning photographer.
Having experienced a challenging introduction to new motherhood, she is passionate about creating a relaxing experience for new parents by giving them the peace of mind of working hiring a professional photographer while they stay comfy in their PJs. She is infant/toddler CPR-B/AED First Aid Certified and a member of the National Association of Professional Child Photographers.
Kim also enjoys mentoring other photographers, and collaborating with fellow creatives and women in business.
Preserving these special moments for families means the world to Kim, and is a job she pours her heart and soul into.