Will no-one think of those of us who will be self isolating with teenagers?! ;-)

[CornflakesandPartbakes]

So, parents of teenagers (normal ones, not the ‘we’re best friends’ ones) what on earth will you be doing in your house to keep yourself sane once we’re all self isolating?

Unfettered access to electronics/phones is not an option (one teen has mental health issues and their phone is a trigger point).

I’m planning on getting them to cook some of our meals.
We’ll find some box sets to binge watch
Play some cards

So that’s about 3 days sorted...

Please give me some ideas!

[KoalasandRabbit]

On day 2 with DD but she's been great so far - happy at not going to school, doing lots of studying both school things and extra ones and chatting to loads of other student on social media. We've got a couple of pets as well - the cat is over the moon.

DS has ASD and he's in until Friday. He's a bit at what's happening and doesn't understand why but at least had a couple of weeks to pre-warn him. He says he's going to work, just tracking down all his school passwords as he's lost them all. He normally stays in a lot so that shouldn't be an issue - he is permanently with one of our pets and they are inseparable. It is the only social contact he gets but he will have his sister, me and his Papa in the house. Wondering about getting some chickens so can get some eggs and kids can watch them hatch but maybe more hassle than it's worth plus cat and chicks may not be a sensible combination. She is 15 and pretty blind though.

Activities Netflix, maybe some baking, pets, chatting with friends on group chats. DD and I are quite enjoying it so far but it's only day 2. Might do some decoration in the house if we can get things before a lockdown or some gardening, wondered about planting some veg. Thought of a bread maker but all sold out at Currys. We have a rowing machine. Watching videos of where we should have been going on holiday in Borneo. Feel much more sorry for the lady next door we thought was in her 60s but she messaged me to say she was in her 70s and self-isolating alone so chatting to her and seeing if we can get things for her. Could learn a language. DH will be working from home, I will be teaching kids and cancelling all things booked for holiday. We have another home and if allowed there have work to do on that. Supposed to be getting roof rethatched and chimney done but not sure want to risk having half a thatched roof if that gets banned.

[Aramox]

I’m terrified. Have one very contrary teen and am on my knees already. Constantly on phone and consequently grumpy. Did I just read that schools might close til September? I can’t imagine how this will work.we have minimal outdoor space and school sport is his only pleasure :(

[BigSandyBalls2015]

Massive argument with my 19 year old DD who is insisting she's going to the pub tonight as per usual. Her reasoning is that she works at a supermarket and is coming into contact with all sorts so what difference will it make staying in.

Doesn't seem to understand that her work is necessary but going to the pub isn't!

[Willow2017]

BigSandyBalls2015

Show her this. Its a terrifying sign of whats in store for anyone needing emergency care.

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/coronavirus/3854758-friend-fighting-for-life?msgid=94862909

[BigSandyBalls2015]

I hadn’t seen that thread, how awful!

[paranoid56]

My 16 year old son hasn't been to school for 2 years, he's meant to be on a course at present, but attendance is appalling, so not much difference for us.

[gingganggooleywotsit]

Not sure why the parents with Perfect, lovely teenagers are posting on this thread to be honest!

[Aragog]

We've been doing it already for a week and half with 17y dd.

She's spent a lot of time finishing NEA coursework, online chatting to friends and Disney+ starts today. Lots of FaceTime with the boyfriend too!

She's even been on walks with us - she didn't even complain about it after the first half hour either! :)

Actually she feels better about it now that everyone of her friends are in the same situation. Was a serious case of FOMO going in beforehand.


It's her 18th is a couple of weeks though. Thatll be a bit rubbish for her but we are planning for virtual party get together as her real party was cancelled. And they'll be a big party once this is all over to celebrate properly too!

[onanotherday]

DS back from Uni... not with a right face on him. Demanding I treat him like an 'adult'... happy to have meals cooked a roof over his head and only come out of his room when it suits. Could cope with that but the lack of respect and snarling is beginning to really grate....

[Emeeno1]

Spare a thought for those of us with teenagers and toddlers...

[Cecily75]

JFC it's only day 4 and despite the daily alcohol (for me) we are all fraying at the edges and today has been a big pile of shit.

Can I scream here, please....

Teens very stressed about school work (too much, not enough, total uncertainty and fear of the unknown about school and coronavirus), missing friends and girlfriends, hates being cooped up with her family (because we're monsters obvs). All exacerbated by teens' ASD and general teen angst we parents know nothing of course and have nothing to stress about

And I have 2 of them. There's not enough wine in the world right now.

[dementedma]

Teen ds gas become a corona expert and is advising on what I should be doing constantly. Just because his life hasn’t changed, ie sit on his arse all day and never go out is the norm, then he doesn’t see why I need to actually go out and you know, buy the food he eats, see to my 84 year old mother etc.

[bacchanalwoman]

Feel your pain. One teen super helpful but resisting school work the other won’t move to help with anything but doing all her school work balance please!???