How do we explain this pandemic to our children? How do we give them information without overwhelming them?
We decided that explaining what is happening, the virus and the importance of good hand and cough hygiene is important. I know some friends who have tried to shield their children a bit more. I don’t think there is a right or wrong. We have to go with what feels best to us. My little boy was kept off school about two weeks before the schools actually closed because I was recovering from surgery and couldn’t risk getting sick.
We started off with good intentions of trying to implement a sort of school programme. Both of us enjoyed it initially but I am no teacher. I don’t have the patience, interest or motivation in teaching. In fact, I am pretty rubbish at it. Most likely why I am not a teacher! And I also have to work.
We stuck to P.E with Joe Wick, it is good to move our bodies and it makes us laugh. Most of all when I can’t walk properly for days after. We downloaded a learn to code app for children. That means he can use the iPad and I can work. I’ve got involved in some of my work so he understands that I have to work. Not sure he understands what I do, most people don’t and I am not even sure I do! We have lunch and dinner together. We have one day where he is the boss and sets the rules. We practice gratitude every day.
Staying calm, having a laugh and not putting any additional pressure on ourselves is important. These are not normal times and I don’t think my son will suffer academically from his absence from school. My son is five and I know each child will be different. What he will miss the most is the interaction with other children and learning from his peers. I don’t make a great playdate, as a child I preferred my own company and playing by myself. But yesterday I found myself really making a conscious effort to play as a child. I will do this more.
I think my efforts had an impact because it led to a quite open discussion with my son. I had asked him a couple of days before how his teddy was feeling about the situation. He told me one of his teddies was okay but the other one had caught the virus and have given it to lots of people and was very sad. I asked what we could do to help and I was told he just needed hugs. I realised then that my son was in need in of a lot more hugs! Following our play session and deep yoga breathing exercise (which involves making your belly swell as much as you can and then breathing it all out as loudly as you can) – my son really opened up. He told me the Lego men had gone to visit the playmobiles and now they had a virus and were sick. He said they had opened up a hospital but people young like you and daddy are dying. He asked why we had to stay home. With my 4 pirates Lego men I tried to explain social distancing. With the pirate guns, I tried to explain the spread of germs and how washing hands and cleaning things kills the germs. Today the Legos have managed to control the virus and they are quite happy at home.
Things I have learnt so far:
I have realised more play and a little less structure really is fine.
Talking is good.
Being silly and laughing is good.
We need to be kind to ourselves so our children learn to be kind to themselves now and in the future.
We do not need to have anything figured out.
We do not in any way shape or form need to be perfect. And pyjamas are fine! Whatever it takes!