Please tell me everyone would find it hard with dd self isolating in a flat

[Randomuser9876]

I've NC for this as outing.

DD(9) was sent home from school last week as teacher had covid. We're currently living in a tiny flat (no garden) as having building work done on our home. This is the second isolation in 2 months.

There's the three of us here all day (dh and I both wfh full time and ds home 5ish) and I feel like I'm going insane. Really bad headaches, so depressed. She's a really active child and massively social/chatty. I feel like I'm letting her down so much by not being able to occupied her but I'm just getting through each day.

Tell me anyone would find this hard? I'm really doubting myself and have no idea how to keep hold of any remaining mental health!!!

Yes anybody would be going mad. You are not letting her down, this is an emergency situation in a global pandemic. Give yourself a break.
Lower all expectations for her and for you, let her watch unlimited TV, stay in pyjamas. Whatever gets you through this. Think of a treat for you all and one for you on your own once all this is over.

Thanks DGFB... I feel like I need someone to validate my feelings as this is just so hard. I've been trying not to drink during the week but that's gone out the window and I'm snacking just to get through the day.

You're not letting her down and it's not your job to entertain her all day. Do something with her in the morning, afternoon and evening - eg. a walk, cycle or park in the morning for an hour, a craft activity or baking for 45 mins, then hang out with her during bath time and read a story. In between she can do some school worksheets, write a story, draw a picture, do some colouring, watch TV, play on her own with her toys etc. You have to explain to her you can't play all day. You have jobs to do.

She's not supposed to leave the flat at all as self isolating. I can't see anything wrong in going for a walk somewhere remote but park etc is out.

I work 7+ hours a day and by the time I've sorted lunch and dinner baking would finish me off!!

She's been set work by school and has been good about doing it but she chatters 24/7... I know "it is what it is" but I feel so rubbish and totally exhausted even though I've barely done 1000 steps all day.

Can you still get out for a short walk? It's the only way I stayed sane during last year's lockdown. In the evening dh would stay home with the dc and I'd just go for a 30 minute walk around the block just to get some silence.

You're not letting her down, you're coping in extremely difficult circumstances. Would she be able to face time any of her friends! That way she can get her chatting quota and you can get a break.