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Isolating with your adult child.

Isolating with your adult child comes with its challenges. But it wasn’t one that I have to face. You see, my undergraduate son has decided to stay in his student digs and isolate with his fellow house mates rather than come home. Initially my heart sank. I was tempted to feel a little miffed, ignored, slighted even. But wait a minute, I thought. It might be a good thing after all.  Here’s a list of  pros and cons of isolating with your adult child.

 Isolating with your adult child – Pros

  • I only have to deal with my own germs. I’m a germ freak at the best of times. I’d be constantly wiping surfaces after him, checking that he’s washed his hands, wanting to know where he had been and did he observe the 2 m distance rule. In short, I would be a nightmare to live with and we’d probably end up arguing .
  • I have peace of mind that he is at home, safe with me. If either of us catch the virus, we can look after each other.
  • Visits to the supermarket are less frequent. During lockdown, I only have to shop every other week.

Isolating with your adult child – cons

  • Too close for comfort. I know my son will get bored in the house, with just me for company. Being an only child, he loves being around his friends.
  • It’s obvious that I will miss him  and  who knows how long this lockdown is going to last? 
  • Self-isolating is lonely.
  • Worrying about his well – being will be my biggest concern. I will not be able to keep a close eye on him and making sure he is observing all of the safety guidelines.  
  • There is so much D.I.Y around the house  and garden  that  he could be helping me out with.
  • I’m missing out on  spending a good quality time with my son. This would be the ideal time.
  • There’s a strong possibility that you’ll get on each other’s nerves,  with having to live at such close quarters without additional outside contact. Normally, home is the place my son eats, showers and sometimes sleeps. He spends much of his time hanging out with his friends. Come to think of it, without him being here, as much as I miss him, self-isolation is probably the best option.