to think that this is really sad for the young children?

[PrettyLittleLiar20]

I’ve got a young child who is so so bored at home. Constantly asks if we can go to the playground. I say no the playground is closed. Can we go to the beach mummy? No because we’re not allowed. Mummy can we go to McDonald’s? No because it’s closed. I’m just so so sad for my DD and im constantly feeling bad because she doesn’t understand any of this.

[NotNowPlzz]

@SleepingStandingUp No I think in normal times everyone's situation can make them sad, frustrated etc and they shouldn't be told to suck it up because people have it worse.

But here we all have a situation in common and that changes things. OP being sad about lost trips to the park for a small amount of time is like....
I don't know there was an explosion that killed loads of people and OP comes up saying I'm so sad my eyebrows got singed. I think frankly it's self obsessed, insensitive and in poor taste.

[zigaziga]

I’m not remotely sad for my children. I’m particularly surprised people are sad for babies. Babies don’t care.

We were doing baby classes but I’ll happily admit it was more for my benefit that the baby’s. Also now there is no travel - no car seat (hates), no pram (hates), no sling (quite likes but prefers just to not be in anything) so her life is looking pretty good right now.

4 year old is spending his days playing, watching TV, messing about in the garden.. I honestly think if I were to tell him the world is back to normal again he’s be gutted. Household finances aside, I’m actually really pleased for him that he’s getting this break from school and can just get to act like the young child he is all day long. Yes we used to do things like museums and swimming lessons and libraries and everything but it seems he’s just as happy not to do them.

[makingmammaries]

We have been in full lockdown in France for nearly a month. 5 DCs. The teens would like to get back to their friends. The younger ones are as happy as Larry, no rushing around and mummy with them all day. Honestly, OP, it’s what you make it.

[Wineislifex]

I’m sad my baby groups were cancelled and sad my dd can’t go on her play dates.

But then I think about the lady I saw yesterday who died of CV leaving two young kids behind and then I gain some perspective.

Maybe read some stories in the media from the front line medics and what we face daily and then consider if your problems are worth being sad about, or if instead you should be grateful that you’re safe at home with your babies.

[StrawberrySquash]

It is sad. Lots of people had lots of plans that they are now having to cancel and that includes trips to the park with their kids. Just because I'm sad about them, that doesn't mean I don't care about the key workers putting themselves at risk or the people dying. YANBU. Definitely try to make the best of things and focus on what you can do, but you allowed to acknowledge your disappointment.

[Poetryinaction]

And the self obsessed.

[bookworm14]

This crisis really is bringing some stupid and unpleasant people out of the woodwork.

[bookworm14]

How can people be so dense? Clearly a rainy day preventing you from going out once is not the same thing as being unable to go anywhere or see anyone for months on end.

[Heygirlheyboy]

Ie convenience but not as better for the actual kids!

[MamaBearOnLockdown]

Nursery is best? Never heard that.

on MN? It's a standard! So many parents cannot bother to spend any more time than they absolutely have to with their kids, nursery is apparently the very best place for children, not only as childcare for working parents but to give mummy(or daddy) her "free time", even on her days off or when she is not working at all.

[Heygirlheyboy]

For anyone genuinely anxious about their small child, janet lansbury and teacher Tom both worth a follow on fb.

[Heygirlheyboy]

Nursery is best? Never heard that. A necessary convenience for us that work I'd have thought. And of course benefits are often pointed out, but not as better than home.

[WindowOrchid]

@Klonda it's not the same at all

If you have a job you reasonably enjoy (I know we'd don't all) and colleagues you like, with a busy social life and lots of activities, imagine if one day your partner said "today you won't be going to work, you won't be seeing your friends or grandparents or doing any activities. But I've got you some nice things to do at home, although I'm working 9-5 and so won't be able to give you much help" and you couldn't understand the explanation and weren't told how long for (rain rarely lasts months and even if it does there are options!) wouldn't you feel your life was turned upside down a bit?

Just like we all do to be honest but at least we can understand why and it's not just (in our minds) mum saying no.

As I mentioned though my DD does seem very happy but I don't think any of these things are trivial if it does end up being months.

It's weird how on most threads on MN people say that nursery is best thing for kids, don't be a SAHM etc and now all of a sudden it's much better for kids to have parents at home all the time (even if working full time). And equally that screen time is marvellous and we should all use more of it!

Of course there's no alternative, lockdown is the right thing but a parent's job is to be concerned about a child's wellbeing and development which is why we are sad. But I agree that the way parents frame it and how they deal with it is very important as that's what kids will look to

[Klonda]

Almost any inconvenience is sad if you think about it.

Isn't it sad that its raining today, so poor little Billy cant go to the park, can't go to the beach, can't even play in the garden?

Yes competitive sadness is a thing and I normally roll my eyes at it, but this is really, really trivial.

[Mumsie43]

Lennonmc
It's surprising how a young child can find entertainment and fun just being around home from sweeping leaves to helping feed the cat.
A spray bottle of water was a hit today
I am happy my child is learning to entertain and find enjoyment in his surroundings at home. Luckily we have space and a garden.
I wouldn't be missing mc Donald's for my children I'd be more happy they are having more substantial meals at home and loving my home baking.
Kids are resilient But I'm old style parenting.
We can all pile into the car and go buy our fast food crap eventually

[PhilCornwall1]

To be honest I feel more sorry for the teenagers and their parents, teenager strops 24 seven.

Nah, don't feel sorry for teens and their parents, it's dead easy. My two (13 and 18) are professional self isolators even when there isn't a pandemic.

They crawl out for food and then crawl back again. We only know they have survived the night when they go for a shower in the morning.

[Pixxie7]

To be honest I feel more sorry for the teenagers and their parents, teenager strops 24 seven.

[VashtaNerada]

@Monkeynuts18 is absolutely right. We are allowed to feel sad about the ‘small’ things (personally I’m sad that my DC miss school and that I’m not at work) whilst simultaneously appreciating the plus sides and understanding there is a bigger picture.

[Durgasarrow]

For big kids, it sounds potentially miserable. For little kids, being at home with one's parents sounds like a dream.

[BubblesBuddy]

If you lived in the countryside you really didn’t necessarily see other dc before you started school. There were not back to back play dates! It didn’t make for an easy transition to school but there wasn’t much choice. And I think I’m a bit older than derxa. Similar issues with no car available for DM and just nothing available for young dc. That’s why I do think young dc will cope. Probably better then their parents.

[derxa]

You’re allowed to be sad about whatever you feel sad about OP. Your feelings are perfectly valid.Incidentally, it’s perfectly possible to be grateful for being alive, healthy, and employed, and to be cognisant of the suffering of people less fortunate, while simultaneously feeling some sadness about things that are less significant in the long run. At least it is if you don’t have the emotional range of a gnat, anyway.
I agree with all of that

[Monkeynuts18]

You’re allowed to be sad about whatever you feel sad about OP. Your feelings are perfectly valid.

Incidentally, it’s perfectly possible to be grateful for being alive, healthy, and employed, and to be cognisant of the suffering of people less fortunate, while simultaneously feeling some sadness about things that are less significant in the long run. At least it is if you don’t have the emotional range of a gnat, anyway.

[imamearcat]

My kids are 3 and 4.5 and they are loving being at home with mum and dad!! So no I don't feel sorry for them.

[HoffiCoffi13]

And for those people, home schooling is a choice (usually). I’ve never wanted to home school. Especially not with 2 days notice. If I wanted to be a teacher, I’d have trained to be one. I adore my children. As a SAHM with three children I spend a lot of time with them. I am extremely interested in them. I play with them, do crafts with them, take them out to interesting places... I don’t enjoy attempting to teach them.

[derxa]

I'm assuming the likes of Derxa abs NotNowPlzz go into every thread where the op is complaining about a partner who doesn't pull his weight, a teenager in trouble, money worries etc and tell them they aren't allowed to feel sad cos they don't live in a slum, an abusive home etc.
You would assume wrong. I never comment on those threads but I did on this one. The OP is fed up. We're all fed up.