Overnight, I went from being a parent to becoming both a teacher and classmate. I haven't a clue what I am doing and like most parents I am just muddling through. I am tired. My inner thoughts have been replaced by a louder voice outside my head saying 'mam, mam'. And my shadow has been replaced by a much shorter one. But I am lucky. I am lucky to be safe at home with my partner and son. I am lucky to have someone to talk to. I have food in my cupboard. I have a garden to make the most of this beautiful weather. Like most parents, my house is a mess right now but I am just glad my son's mental health is not in the same state! I think sometimes, when we are consumed by difficult times, we forget that actually our children might be struggling too. That tantrum over the biscuit you wouldn't let them have may have nothing to do with the biscuit. Our children are hearing on the news, accounts of death tolls rising and seeing images of people kitted out in PPE. They are taking it all in. They know why they aren't in school. They are missing their friends. And grandparents. And routine. Just like when they snapped or broke down over the biscuit, you probably did when they called you for the hundredth time this morning. We forget children are human too. They are learning to deal with their emotions. Just like you want to scream because you can't remember the last time you enjoyed a hot cup of tea, they want to scream too. And they do. Let them. Hug them. Enjoy this quality time with them. Make memories. Bake cakes. Build dens. Get messy. Be silly. And remember, although they are not in school they are learning. And you are learning too. Don't be so hard on yourself!
 

Neelie