A new lifestyle during COVID-19

As Central Valley schools reopen slowly, Lydia Castaneda continues the fun and challenging adventure of being a mother of two during a pandemic. Both of her daughters continue to learn virtually.

“It has been difficult & challenging for my youngest because this is her first year going to school so she wasn’t familiar with any of the apps, any of the iPad stuff, but for my oldest one it has been easier on her,” said Castaneda.

When the pandemic forced her local school to close its doors, Castaneda found it hard to balance her work and helping her daughters learn at first. The clock was her biggest enemy. “I have to be on it because if I forget, they do mark attendance for every login,” she said. But this isn’t the only problem that she encountered.

Her daily routines were upended. “I was up very late. I had nothing else to do. Summer hit, kids weren’t in school, so we were awake for very long hours,” said Castaneda.

On the positive side, Castaneda saw an improvement in communication with her daughters and husband. “He gets home and helps me either with the girls or picking up, or even making dinner,” said Castaneda.

She thanks her local church for giving her hope.

Getting fit is now Castaneda’s biggest goal. With the help of her sister, she hopes to lose every pound she gained during quarantine.