With the coming of the Covid-19 pandemic, so much changed in our lifestyles. Parents and guardians had to adjust to working from home hence taking on the hard task of acting as teachers and caretakers to their children. These adjustments meant that a lot had to change within our environment to embrace the new normal.

These changes have been depicted by one of our students- Denzel Kemonde and his family. Covid-19 adjustments brought more blessings than sorrows to the family of five. In a recent article published by Daily Nation, Denzel, a grade 5 student, acknowledged the positive effects that the Covid-19 pandemic brought in his relationship with his dad.

“My father set up his makeshift office in my bedroom after the advisory by the Health ministry on measures needed to stop the spread of the coronavirus.”

Denzel says that before, his father used to leave the house early in the morning and return late in the night.

“Our interaction was limited to short car rides to church on Sundays,”

However, last year during the long stay at home learning virtually, things changed. They started by jostling for internet connectivity before his dad opted to engage a reliable service provider.

This was his first time seeing his dad working. He was used to visiting his workplace, only to be engaged in touring the company’s compound and play games as his dad attended meetings. Yet at home,  Denzel got to know what exactly his dad does, moments that made him have a glimpse of what happens in the boardrooms, the negotiations and the big decision-making.

“My dad talks a lot in these meetings, something I did not see before. He laughs hard too. Rarely do I see him showing these characteristics in our family meetings.”

This experience has made the grade 5 boy and an avid football fan always look forward to his assignments as help is always a desk away.

“I get a lot of guidance in Mathematics and other assignments in the Competency-Based Curriculum that demands the input from parents and guardians. My dad does my printing and photocopying, all from my bedroom, now his office. I have learnt to share space and get organised.”

Interestingly, these adjustments are bearing fruits as more signatures are now appearing in his school diary. Before however, the class teachers were used to his mother’s signature appearing in the diary.

“Every evening when I get back from school, there is always a near-clash at my bedroom door. As I enter to offload my heavy school bag, my mother rushes in to help my dad with his virtual meetings and the house help to serve the five o’clock tea.”

What is your perspective on Denzel’s sentiments? Share your reactions in the comment section below.