Kids laughing with their mates...

[NotAHotterOtter]

I've just realised something (very late - I know). That sounds of helpless laughter I used to hear as a matter of course from my kids, when they were hanging out with their mates in the house or garden... I don't hear it any more. They laugh together when they're chatting online, but it's just not the same as that full-on laughter from being together.

WTF are we doing to them?

I agree with you. I walked past our school the other day and heard the KW kids laughing in the playground - made me feel so desperately sad that I haven't heard that from my own children in a while. I can only hope when school returns children bounce back.

I don't know, I've heard some pretty helpless laughter from my dd when she has been chatting online to her friends. It isn't the same, I know, but teenagers are pretty adaptable on the whole.

mine are still meeting friends 1-1

im out at work all day, nip the shops etc so get that 'break' from the house

kids in school mix -no distancing there

denying kids left at home any friend contact is awful

We went to the park the other day. Four of my son’s friends arrived in the space of ten minutes (absolutely not planned) I usually leave if the park gets too busy but I let them stay and play yesterday. It was lovely to see them so happy! Not sure I, or them, can take this much longer.

My DS is 24 and he’s still having a laugh with friends online. We as a family have started watching comedy films or old box sets. Anything to make us laugh is good at the moment. News is banned.

I took my 6yr old to the park yesterday. We bumped into a friend and her 6yr old. The DC ran around together, laughing and playing, my friend and I chatted (we did keep our distances) but it was lovely, felt ordinary and it was a break for all of us. It was the first time DD had mixed with another child her own age since before Christmas. I’m hoping the schools go back soon, even if it’s just part time - she needs it.

My (nearly) 12yr old is communicating with his friends online, I can hear him now roaring with laughter over some computer game but I am thinking they could all probably do with meeting up with each other one on one.