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Family & Education

My clothes are not being frozen

Jessica Weinstein's coping well in lockdown, despite social media

May 6, 2020 10:02
Lockdown is a time to get creative with the kids
2 min read

In my last column, written in a world where lockdown was just a possibility, I wrote about how I hoped nurseries would stay open for as long as possible. Well obviously my opinion held no weight with Number 10 because the day we went to press we also went into lockdown! In the weeks since that life-changing decision was made — whether you’re stuck in your bedroom or venturing to the shops — everyone’s lives have become almost unrecognisable. This is what I’ve learnt while living through a modern pandemic.

1. I’m a working mum, so I’m no stranger to juggling work with childcare or even to full days of childcare, but all day alone with two children and no playdates, soft play or parks to break up the day is pretty intense. On the plus side, I have discovered new heights of creativity. The things I can do with an empty toilet roll and some paint would amaze you.

2. When you get married you assume the person you chose is the one person you could be locked-down with. I’m happy to report I made the right choice. After 13 years as a couple and seven years married we are still happy together after being confined with two young children for a whole month. Ordinarily his working hours mean that I rarely see him during the week and the weekend is usually spent tag-teaming childcare or doing kid-friendly activities, so we almost never get any quality couple time. When reality kicks back in I’m going to miss having dinner with him on a regular basis. Even if those dinners are increasingly “things on toast” or “freezer surprise”.

3. I never want to see another meme again.