Confessions from a bored, scared & frustrated mum in lockdown

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 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.)

Be the first to comment

Sign in with password

    Latest

    Jul

    08

    2025

    THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT MUST ACT TO PROTECT CHILDREN AS PARENTS EXPERIENCE UNPRECEDENTED DISTRESS

    Early childhood and parenting advocates are urging the Federal Government to set up an independent Early Childhood Commission, as parents with young children in early...

    INDEPENDENT EARLY CHILDHOOD COMMISSION ESSENTIAL TO KEEP CHILDREN SAFE

    July 03, 2025

    Leading parent advocacy group The Parenthood supports The Greens’ call for a national, independent Early Childhood Commission to lead early childhood education and care reform,...

    VIC CHILDCARE SAFETY: SHOCKING AND DISTRESSING CHARGES UNDERSCORE NEED FOR NATIONAL COMMISSION

    July 01, 2025

    Reports of alleged abuse at childcare and early learning centres across Victoria are deeply distressing for parents and further underscore the need for the establishment...

    QLD BUDGET: FUNDING FOR CHILDCARE REGULATOR WELCOMED, BUT FEDERAL LEADERSHIP NEEDED

    June 26, 2025

    Early childhood advocates have welcomed the Queensland Government's decision to provide $12.7 million in ongoing funding for the state's Early Childhood Regulatory Authority [1] but...