How We Are Getting On In Lockdown
Well I would be lying if I said living in lockdown is a breeze! It has been challenging in parts, but we are making the most of it. Probably the trickiest part is getting them off their consoles. At the same time, it is nice to hear them chatting to friends! They do not pick up a phone and make a call – any socialising they are doing now is through gaming! So, I do not want to be too strict with screen time at the moment.
Getting Artistic
We are fortunate enough to have lovely neighbours which does make a big difference. Yesterday one hosted a remote art session, it was such a pleasant way to pass the afternoon. All the neighbours were out in their gardens and we could see what they were working on and have advice and tips. My neighbour kindly provided the materials (paper, paints and mounts) so everyone could get involved. My youngest was delighted to see his mounted and first on the easel.
When this is over, we are going to display our art and have a little garden party.
A Bit Of Bingo
The evening before we did our bit for the neighbours and hosted a bingo event for them. We bought a few prizes, mainly wine and chocolate as that always seems to go down well! Some neighbours generously added to the prize line up too. My husband did the calling, he had to shout quite loud as everyone was so spaced out, but he did a great job of it!
There are talks maybe we could do a bake off next! I love eating cake but not baking, it never turns out quite right but could get my husband onto this.
Parents
I feel incredibly lucky my parents live in walking distance. We can see them out in their garden from a distance and catch up. It must be so hard for anyone who does not have that. Although the boys are missing their nanny and grandad who live in Southampton. We have had a few what’s app sessions so they can see each other but once this is over, we all want to catch up in person!
Our After-Lockdown Jar
I gave the boys some paper and I got them to write out what we want to do when this is over! They wrote different things they are missing and then added them to the jar! It gives us lovely things to work through when this is all over. We will need nice things to focus on. Let’s be honest for all of us lots of things have been cancelled, so spend a few minutes and get your kids to write a list too! They got a lot out of such a simple activity.
Home Schooling
I have subscribed to First News so every week the boys look forward to a new newspaper arriving by post. It is nice for them to have something to look forward to when we are in lockdown. The paper keeps them up to date with the news on the virus and what else is going in the world. They do not feel so isolated when they have information that extends beyond our little bubble right now. I really like the Oak National Academy resources, my eldest feels like he is back in school with them as they have a video where you can see the teacher. It has taken off some of the pressure from me as juggling everything is hard, even with a little less blog work there is still plenty I need to do each day. My youngest prefers more supervision he is not as keen to get stuck in without me sat by his side.
Walks
We have made the most of our daily walk. Luckily there is enough green space to get out without bumping into too many people.
I think our dog has probably benefited the most from the lockdown. She is enjoying having us home so much more. We are also using our extra time still trying to get our budgie to talk too! But still no joy there!
I am envious of you having all that green space around you – it’s not bad here for greenery, but not on that scale. I love the idea of the remote art session and the bingo. Great that you can easily gather the neighbours around and yet stay remote.
Your daily walks are amazing! You really are cracking on through the lockdown and your community coming together to do such awesome activities is so lovely! The community art idea was genius… but I am liking the idea of a baking contest next! 🙂
Come on Budgie… get talking… we are all waiting!
Hope you have another awesome week chick!x
It sounds like you are really making the most of lockdown. The art and bingo sound like a great idea! We’re like you in that my parents live just up the road, so we are able to chat to them from the end of the drive, which is nice.
#366
It is hard to be strict with screen time when it’s the only time they get to speak to their friends. I’m having the same dilemma here.
It sounds like you live in a great area with the bingo and the art session. What a fab idea. That is a fantastic piece of work by your youngest.
Your daily walks sound brilliant x
Loving the neighbourhood bingo and art. Lots of fun and something different. Our in laws live next door on the farm with us, so we see them every day. I don’t get close but the OH has breaktime over there – outside at the moment. Would be so strange not to get to see them at all.
Wow all that green space is fab. The remote art session sounds right up my street. That is a nice little gathering x
Wow what a fantastic neighbourhood you live in and so good your parents are only a few minutes walk away. Do let us know how your budgie is getting on #project365
Loving your neighbourhood, with the lovely walks, painting and bingo sessions and, to top it all off, the grandparents within sight. You made me laugh saying that you are trying (and failing) to get the budgie to talk ! I’m the same with Fortnite – at least it gives them a chance to talk to their friends.
What a lovely idea to hold an art class for neighbourhood kids! And the bingo event sounds fun too. Your dog does look very happy.
So nice that you’re able to see parents, even at a distance. Our parents live thousands of miles away, and they’re all technically-challenged, so using Skype to see each other is out of question. I do call my Mum every day, and my DH calls his parents, but it’s not the same.
First News sounds good, I will look into it, as I think my son might enjoy it. I only have a subscription of Marvel The Astonishing Spiderman for him.
we love having green space, even if it is the same place every day with the dog.
Wow seems like you have a great neighbourhood with all doing things and joining in in the garden.
Love the idea of your jar and nice for them to have something to look forward to, if we ever get out again
Lovely pictures! True, my sibling socialised with their friends in our country and internationally via gaming. The remote art sessions sounds very interactive and exciting; that’s a lovely artwork. Must be fun (and funny) playing Bingo with the neighbors like that. The list making is a great idea of coping with lockdown. Cute dog.
Getting outside and lots of family entertainment time are also the lifesavers that are getting us through the lockdown time. Your pictures are so lovely.
Your walks look amazing. We love First News too.
He did a good job with his painting! #project365
That sounds like you live in a really wonderful neighborhood! My boys are spending far more time gaming than usual lately too but just love that they can stay in touch with everyone that way.
Our cat has definately benefited he is getting a lot more attention! The art lesson looks great and how nice of your neighbour to give out all the materials as well. I keep meaning to do a jar of the things the boys are wanting to do once this is all over. Grandparents would be at the top of the list I am sure.