Anyone found parenting easier in lockdown?

[Starrynightsabove]

Don’t get me wrong this shit is hard, especially alongside working too.

But on the days I’m not working it’s such a relief to no longer be rushing everywhere all the time. I was always filling our time with social occasions and stuff to do. I felt scared of not having plans and my 5 year old asked every weekend ‘what are we doing today’ and was disappointed if it wasn’t something ‘really fun’.

Now, because we have to, my daughter and I just mooch about, do stuff together, potter, go for walks, and of course watch screens (I’m not particularly wholesome!). And now I’m no longer so stressed we get on so much better. And she no longer constantly asks what we’re doing (down to 2,000 times a day) which is a relief!

Anyone else feel the pressure has been lifted

I think the slower pace is definitely showing people that they don't need to constantly entertain their children.
Boredom is great for children, it gives them a chance to develop their imagination.

Yes. I'm loving the slower pace. Usually we're up and out at 7.15, drop ds at 7.20 and not home till 6pm.

We're both wfh which is tricky but the juggling is getting easier, we've fallen into a new routine and set time aside for each of us to spend 1 on 1 time with ds. It's nice, we're happy.

Yes and no. It's more intense as I have no time away from them (apart from the brief period between them going to bed and me losing consciousness on the sofa). But it's nice not to have to battle getting up, fed, dressed and in the car before rush hour goes mad. I'm not particularly excelling at finding productive or educational things to do (they're pre school age). And I'm not coping too well with always being followed, having someone climb on me, stand just a bit too close to me, etc so do get quite ratty.

I’m still working and so is my dh. My son is 16 so no revision for gcse anymore.
I decided when all this started that I would be very careful how I picked my battles and what with. It has worked so far but to be fair my son is a good boy and doesn’t ever cause any trouble really.
He is 16 so he goes to bed when he wants. And generally stays in his room online with his friends. We do spend time together at the moment we are watching the marvel movies in order and I go and sit in his room and chat with him and his friends online and catch up with them all.

@loutypips absolutely. After complaining she was bored (this does still happen!) she disappeared off and came back half hour later having made a ‘pen box’ out of some old cardboard. Stuck it all together and decorated it. She would never have done that a month ago

Yes definitely, I feel I am able to give my daughter more of my undivided attention, I'm not having to worry about work and getting her to school and clubs. It's not always plain sailing but I am really enjoying this time with her and am appreciating time at home, not dashing to this place and that place.

I am definitely calmer, theres been pretty much no shouting at the kids whereas before our life was a constant rush so always on at the kids to be ready in time etc. I feel like I am able to parent properly rather than just muddling through.

Yes! I was always telling her to hurry up, come on come on. Now she just goes at her 5 year old (extremely slow) pace and I lounge around!

I'm finding it difficult myself (lovely and used to being busy at work) but parenting wise it's so much easier. Few lie ins. Dc very very happy. Lots of hugs and enjoying all their toys. They are not as tired (the are in reception) so don't feel missing out on much. So it is easier. No uniforms or lunches.

Lonely not lovely

In a way, school routine can be stress full with work and after school activities.