etc Columnist: How I have found being housebound with my children
This month I could say a million different things at any given hour of writing. Like all of you I've had moments of despair, fear, tears and real moments of joy. So, with that in mind it is the joy in the small moments that I want to focus on.
As we all try and get through this challenging and unprecedented time, we are probably all struggling to work out the best way of being.
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Hide AdNow let's be honest, parenting is hard at the best of times, but perhaps never as hard as when there is NO escape from each other.
Every parent in the country has probably experienced being on the pendulum of emotions.
The online support is phenomenal, although occasionally tinged with 'we are better parents than you' vibes, for example we all know someone whose gifted child is excelling at home learning, or families that have embarked on some huge project, redecorating the house with a button montage, or similarly fantastic creations.
We've fought and succumbed to the rainbows sweeping the country. We've resisted and then joined in with the endless 'fun ideas to do with children' social media groups. And we've sweated every morning with Joe Wicks and all the other parents out there, because let's face it, that bit is totally for us parents.
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Hide AdFor me it's been a time of reflection, looking at my relationships, seeing the wonderful people I have around me who I really haven't appreciated enough, whilst me benefiting hugely from the enforced social distancing with those less than healthy friendships we all find ourselves in.
Who knew how a little bit of space can help reset and refocus what's important? It also highlights how resourceful and brilliant people can be! I have a fantastically talented singer/ songwriter friend who has posted a music video every day of isolation, which has cheered me up no end. I've had dinner parties through Zoom, video calls on WhatsApp, playdates on Facetime. I have spoken to people on the phone or video more than I ever do normally, and the best thing, I have spent time with my children, just being (I am clearly writing this on a good day!)
There have been plenty of tears (mine and theirs) but also lots of laughs. Listening to the musings of a six-year-old, or the endless questions of a four-year-old. Watching the sheer delight in my two-year-old being home with his favourite people in the world. I have watched them learn, watched them try, watched them give up then get back up again.
Whilst the outside world feels scary right now, I’ve been able to enjoy the small moments and I absolutely love that we don't have to be anywhere. I love that I'm not constantly saying 'hurry up' or 'quickly'. I love that we don't have back to back plans.
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Hide AdThis simpler way of life has had some real benefits. I know that for many, many people these are devastating times. I know that it all feels overwhelming and out of our control, but if there is anything to take from this moment, it is having a chance to take stock and remind ourselves of who and what really matters to us.
A chance to see the small joys without as much noise from our usually busy lives.
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