As we emerge from the confines of our homes and back into the world, I’ve looked back and thought to myself 'I have not hated lockdown nor have I found it difficult', although, if we’re talking about homeschooling... that was a dismal failure. This pandemic has managed to stop time on many things in our lives; it’s certainly worth considering what to take from it.
In the beginning, my kids enjoyed the novelty of not having to get up for school. But as the weeks went by, I noticed changes in their behaviour. I stopped watching the news when they were around after my son asked, “Mum am I going to die?". The media was handling information regarding the pandemic badly, it was scaremongering, and everything was being reported, was being contradicted in the next news story. I could see my kids’ anxiety and fear increasing.
Seeing this unfolding before me, caused me to make a conscious effort to make it a positive experience, rather than the doomsday that was being presented to us. I wanted to keep them happy and give them back some control of this situation. And with any luck would make it easier for everyone.
I realised that the schoolwork they’d be doing would not be as constructive as being in a classroom (I’m a realist), but if they had a dedicated work zone, they’d know the expectations. They were happy with this, even excited about getting it organised, and organising their space ready for Zoom meetings and home school for the foreseeable future.
Next I realised 4 kids in a small house is like waiting for a bomb to explode and I had no desire to get to that point. Therefore, I decided exercise was essential. Living in a Coastal town we are blessed to be minutes from a range of stunning coastline locations, from beaches to hiking trails; the kids and I took full advantage of this and ensured we continued visits to different locations at least every second day.
I ensured I spent one on one time with each of my kids, it was easy, we had nowhere to go and no one to see, therefore I took advantage of this and spent it doing something they chose- whether that was a walk, reading a book together, kicking the footy or just chatting. It was absolute bliss and special for both of us, using this time to reconnect and spend quality time together.
We created a ‘Quarantine’ folder of photos, videos and art of our adventures, experiences and creations whilst in lockdown. It’s something we can look back on later and remember, that it wasn’t all bad and it was at this time, we changed our lives for the better, irrespective of what was happening around us.
I’ve seen positive changes in the relationships my children have with each other, in the weeks they’ve been trapped together. They are kinder to one another, spend more time playing and just talking about life, and I’ve watched their levels of creative play increase and their overall resilience has grown.
Life prior to COVID was packed with sport and playdates and was very structured. Going forward, it’s going to be more relaxed and spontaneous. I’ve realised my kids need time and space to be kids and enjoy doing what they want to do or even just to be bored and create something to bring back that imaginative play that existed far more in their younger years.
Our lives will continue to be tainted by this pandemic for an indefinite amount of time, and if we’ve learned only one thing, it should be that tomorrow is not guaranteed. Our kids have undoubtedly been affected, and they’ll talk about how things are different, and even how different they feel and we need to allow them the freedom to talk about what they are feeling, whether that be with you, or a professional service.
Preserve the positive changes, don’t return to heavily structured lives, allow your kids to have freedom away from school and sports and let them play and just be kids.
Comentários