Guest Post: Parenting Through Lockdown Life

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When the country was told that a lockdown was happening I think secretly I was excited. I could spend three weeks at home in our little bubble. I could work, teach the kids, not rush to pick them up from school then have to get to the next activity. I could cook! I could cook real Jamaican food every day! None of this quick stir fry/bolognese business ???? Let the fun begin!

Day 1 of Homeschooling/Lockdown life

I quickly realised my full on 9am-3pm timetable was not going to work and I had been quite ambitious, these little people are exhausting.

Things I’ve learnt:

1. Me sticking to a time table and the kids sticking to a time table are not the same thing

2. Two parents trying to have conference calls at the same time, both with headphones on still does not work.

3. I think rum will be on the menu every night to calm my nerves for the following days shenanigans

4. My kids are awesome.

Their teachers deserve a medal, but then again they CHOSE to live that life. Still I’d give them a bottle or two of their fave alcohol to say thanks. Let’s see what tomorrow brings…

Home schooling/Lockdown Life day 2:

I didn’t get much work done, the end.

Homeschooling/Lockdown Life day 5:

I’ve decided to buy my son’s teacher a spa weekend, a bottle of wine and some ear plugs.

Homeschooling/Lockdown life day 13:

We went for a walk along the canal and the field. This time has made me so much more grateful for what I have. I love my little family and am so grateful for this time we’re able to spend together. But there are days where my husband is at work and I am doing it all alone.

My thoughts, respect and admiration has been directed towards my single parent friends. They are the strongest type of parent I know. ????????

Day 24 of lockdown

Today was hard. Today I cried. Today I realise how much I miss the world and everyone in it.

Day 30 of Lockdown/Homeschooling:

Recognising that my children learn differently and adjusting my style of teaching to each child has been a game changer.

10 Weeks later

Things I’ve learnt:

1. Children are sponges. Be specific, be smart, be careful with your teachings.

2. Children are exhausting and they take up soo much mental and physical energy. But I AM important too. I’m learning more now than ever to take time for God. To take time for myself. To take time for my relationships.

3. Children are amazing. Schedule time to be with them, like REALLYA be with them, in their bubble, in their universe, whether that be the Playmobil, Barbie, Tictok, Roblox or Marvel Universe. Just be with them in their world where they can lead the way and have your undivided attention. I’ve seen sides of my childrens personalities that I never knew existed.

4. Children are raised by a village. Despite COVID-19 being absolutely devastating for many. Lockdown has enabled our little family to bond in ways that no other generation before us would have had the opportunity to do. BUT it too highlighted the need for teachers, grandparents, godparents, for   aunts and uncles and for cousins. I’ve realised during this time how much love my children have for our immediate and extended family and school. And how much they miss it all. When the new normal arrives I think we’ll all be appreciating the people and places around us a little bit more.

5. When life resumes I will not Rush- I do not miss two lots of  swimming lessons, two lots of tutor sessions, gymnastics, piano, MMA or and the 101 birthday parties that follow Saturday morning activities. Post COVID, I will not rush or feel obligated to go…my children may have other ideas though ????????‍♀️. BUT hopefully I can teach them that one session or one party missed will not change a thing.

6.The biggest thing I’ve learnt is WHO wants to cook big food everyday!!!! ????????‍♀️ I’m good…Nando’s I miss you.

7. And finally, when I’m about to go crazy on these tiny humans the best thing has been to walk away…far, far away! Out the front door, down the road and through the park away. Breathe, process, come home and start again.

– Alisha