How's everyone coping with lockdown in a tiny flat with toddlers?

[Outdoorsybynature]

I'm fully aware of why lock down is in place and I've followed all restrictions however I'm feeling really anxious about the possibility of further restrictions on outdoor exercise. I'm in the UK in a one bedroom flat with 2dc under 3 and a dh who's still working and going out to work full time (essential worker). It's been really hard getting to this point in such a small space and we've been trying to sell for more than a year and there's been various setbacks including a sale falling through and we obviously can't sell now for a while probably. We've got a little balcony and lots of toys but I'm feeling really panicky at the thought that we might be told not to go out for exercise at some point. Being able to go for a walk has been the only thing getting me through all this and coping with 2 toddlers all day without any seeing friends or long hikes in the countryside is already making me feel exhausted and depressed. I'm worried about the dc not getting outside for a walk and I'm worried about my mental health as I've coped well with 2 difficult largely bed bound pregnancies in the last few years and 2 dc close together and have been getting through the last couple of weeks but this is making me feel really claustrophobic. Any support or things that might help or make me cope better would be appreciated. I'm repeating 'this too will pass' a lot at my dh but not knowing when lock down will be over or what rules will be next is difficult for me to cope with. I get this is so so hard for everyone, especially if you or loved ones are worried about coronavirus. I never anticipated this could happen before having dc and we thought we would be able to move long before now. It feels like prison in so many ways being stuck in a tiny hot flat all day/ most of the day with two active, energetic, sociable dc who don't really understand why they can't go to nursery or the playground and need watching and entertaining every minute they are awake. My dh is a great help at the weekend but the week stretches out in front of me now and the uncertainties of what lock down rules will be next are making me feel like I won't be able to do it. How's everyone doing this with little ones and limited outdoor space?

I get it. I’m in a small flat too albeit with one child. It’s tough but remember for them it is the only home they’ve known and it is plenty big enough (they are only small after all). We do a soft play in the living room thing where we throw cushions everywhere and put sheets up to make dens. It gives it a different vibe. Daytime baths are a godsend. The kids will be fine but I think it’s you you need to look after. Do they both still nap? If so do you nap with them? Or if they don’t then a designated movie/chill time each afternoon to break the day up.

I’ve found listening to podcasts, plays or audiobooks really helpful when she is playing to make me feel like I’m getting something out of it too. Have you been doing much video chatting with friends? I find that does really help my mental health and my dd always likes to say hi. Dance parties are also good for releasing tension.

It’s bloody hard and it sounds as if you’ve had a pretty tough few years. I’d just take off all expectations for myself and just appreciate it is a bloody weird time and the priority is ensuring that you are as happy as you can be. Order in treats to munch on, use CBeebies, try and get some time at the beginning or end of the day to do some kind of exercise or mindfulness (ALONE).

You can do this! And don’t worry about the kids - they will be fine. Concentrate on making sure you are.

I hear you! I’m worried about the same thing. We are in 2 bed with 5 and 7 years old and it’s me who’s going to work few times a week while my husband is looking after them. I don’t worry about myself, I worry about the effect on my children.