Life in lockdown

Two lock down birthdays (me 39, Sid 4), two failed attempts at bread making (both me), three nights of back to back Tiger King and three new family members, this is the van Tonder family lock down.  With 3 kids, 1 husband, 1 schnoodle and now 3 chickens (Sylvie, Baxter and Slide who were, as it turns out, deemed ‘essential’), like everyone else we’ve been staying and struggling in our bubble, and whilst I may not have learned a new skill, read a million books, or become a fitter, faster version of myself; I have done a lot of thinking. So in the words of the DTLB Chair, I’ve been thinking…

• I’ve been thinking about how incredibly grateful I am for my children (9, 7 and 4). They have been a joyful distraction, often infuriating, often hilarious, and always hungry. Despite the absence of organized sport and general running around, their appetites seem to be particularly healthy. I have been observing how my children have responded to this unique set of circumstances and It has astounded me how mellow they have been, and how well they have taken it all in their stride, despite keeping them abreast of the truths of this situation. My children are privileged, their home is warm, spacious, cupboards well stocked, copious books and lego and an abundance of technology to suit all ages; I have been wondering how well our most vulnerable children fare in this situation? In places where food is scarce, homes are crowded, toys and books are absent, how are those kids? I support a return to school for those year 10 as soon as we can – because for some children, school is the safest, warmest and best place to be.  
• I’ve been wondering about the other social outcomes that will be the result of this pandemic; the loss of incomes and impacts on our mental health, lifestyles and liberties, the increases in domestic violence we’re already experiencing, the extreme cases of isolation that some of our most vulnerable older people will experience when their nearest neighbours may no longer be looking in on them. I’m worried about mental health following job loss and extended time trying to ‘stick to your bubble’ even when you love your kids and partner, it’s not the most wonderful way to spend five weeks. Let’s be honest, this is no walk in the park. 
• I’ve been questioning why it’s taken me so long to get into good gardening habits, and finally get the chickens that I’d promised the kids so many times. 3 Eggs on the first day! Unprecedented Easter joy in my household.
• I’ve been wondering how our town centres are going to survive this and feel fearful that many businesses will shut up shop and we’ll see empty and neglected shopping areas.
• I’ve been loving the empty streets where the kids and I can hoon on our bikes in the middle of roads that are usually reserved for slow-moving gridlocked cars. I’ve been thinking it’s time we become a single car family.  
• I’ve been thinking the digital meeting etiquette that include staying muted until you want to speak, is more about shutting out the screaming children in the background to save face, than actual sound quality.
• I’ve been thinking how impressive it has been to witness our country and all its people come together in order to save lives, and I’ve been wondering if we can come together to respond to the climate emergency or the social inequality we have in our country and respond with equaled passion to the indiscriminate threat of poverty, suicide and family violence that threatens the existence of many New Zealanders
• I’ve been feeling proud of our Country’s leadership and am grateful that the petty party politics have been put aside for now.
• I’ve been thinking about how surprising it is that I’ve got a wardrobe full of lovely clothes but all I seem to wear at the moment are sweaters on rotation and comfy active wear for my hours of sitting down playing lego. I’ve also been wondering if the friend I bumped into on my one hour walk noticed the significant coffee stains down my front that have probably been there since lockdown started, and seem to have grown incrementally each day.