So here we are, with lockdowns stretching across the East Coast, from Melbourne (...again...) to parts of Queensland, and the Upper Hunter across to Greater Sydney.
It's tough. It's really, really tough.
So many factors are affecting families right now: the stopping and starting of school, remote learning, limited social interactions, working with kids whining every 5 seconds, or losing work through lockdowns, the trauma of previous lockdowns, families without backyards... And when it rains in Melbourne for days on end and we can't even go out for the 2 hours of exercise! My son has now had two consecutive birthdays stuck at home.
If you're feeling stressed, anxious or isolated, you're not alone.
In our house we've sometimes found ourselves in a vicious cycle: the kids act up because they're bored, scared, frustrated and we parents act up because we're bored, scared, frustrated.
(Photo: Maddy expressing her frustration at lockdown.)
It's okay to not be the best parent right now. The best we can do is be kind to ourselves and our kids so we can get through this difficult time. So what if the kids watch a few extra hours (make that millions of extra hours!)? So what if the house isn't spic and span? So what if your fitness regime goes out the window for a few months?
If you need or want to chat, vent, share, please feel free to send us your take on parenting during lockdown - be it a word, a sentence or a page - we’d love to hear from you!
How has the pandemic changed the dynamics of parenting?
Has lockdown altered the dynamics in your home?
Has there been a shift in caring responsibilities?
Has there been anything good coming from this enforced confinement?
Has lockdown presented any opportunities to learn some vital parenting lessons?
Or does lockdown just suck???
Flick me an email, write a comment on Facebook or send us a DM on Instagram.
We also want to invite you to take our survey. Got five minutes? Let us know how you're faring in our short survey here: How is lockdown in Sydney affecting your family?
”We are all in this together” - and the more we hear from each other the more powerful this sometimes rather hollow sounding phrase becomes.
Take good care of yourself :)
Maddy
PS. And if you're not in lockdown but know people who are, it's always helpful to check in. (Trust me, it's really appreciated.)
