Keeping our options open

Bargainhunter30

I find pinterest fab for inspiration. We did a chalk assault course on the driveway today, that keep us entertained for half an hour 😂

Hettyhound

Oh I am sooooo with you on the fiasco that is homeworking, schooling and childcare; it simply doesn’t work and I’m a single parent too!  We are doing very little of any of these; I’m on holiday now for Easter so I feel a little calmer.  My son has have tv and tablet removed because his treatment towards me has been appalling, seems to be working.  I struggle to get him to sit down and do any activities, especially when I’m supposed to be working.  To cap everything off school emailed out their reports as parents evening was cancelled.  I was not happy at being told he is below expectations in everything (which I already know due to learning problems) and what I should be doing at home to help him.  I already feel like a failure at multi tasking I don’t need the point hammering home!  Good luck with it all and we will get through and the kids probably won’t even notice 😂

savingholmes

Sorry you are finding it so rough. There's lots of stuff you can teach your son that doesn't involve traditional lessons. You can count toys in and out of boxes and that kind of thing. Let him do maths with real coins (wiped down first) etc. Some children are kinaesthetic learners- learn by doing / touching / feeling rather than being auditory learners... Worth a go. Phonics videos are great too - my DD used to play them on repeat - do the actions and sing the songs. Helped her no end.

Cornish_mum

Hi Becky just wanted to pop by and say hello.  Good call on the wine. It’s been Baileys (well Herr A copy) and chocolate that’s getting me though.  Take care CM

becky170

I'm really sorry to hear that you are having a rough time Hetty. My DS' behaviour has been appalling at points too so we have been removing TV privileges but that seems to make his behaviour even worse. Hopefully he'll get the message soon as it's making my patience run thin Sorry school haven't been that helpful. We had parents evening just before lockdown and we came away with a list of things to work on at home with DS too... I think it's pretty impossible to do school work and try and work at the same time if you're by yourself, we're finding it difficult with doing split shifts juggling childcare and work between us. I'm off this week so going to enjoy only having to get some school work done and prevent DD from trying to swallow anything she shouldn't! I'm sure accidents in the home are going to be on the up during lockdown!

I got the chalk out too Bargainhunter. I was the only one having fun doing hopscotch though...DS won't give it a go! All was good until DD started to try and eat the chalk  

Hi to you Cornish_mum and Savings holmes. Will have to try Herr A Baileys sometime

My cat has been poorly again so we've got another trip to the vets later I really hope she feels better soon...

Bargainhunter30

I love hopscotch! We got water beads out the other day (the ones you can use in flower vases or great for sensory play). Left DD for 2 seconds and when I returned she said she ate one, but then couldn't decide for rest of day if she did. Thought we might have to go to a+e until a nurse friend set my mind at ease 🙄😳 Tomorrow its slime,  but edible slime made with chia seeds, corn flour and water!!

savingholmes

you will get through this - don't beat yourself up over parenting either - my kids are either grown up or almost grown up but I am only finding out now what labels fit their struggles...

Hettyhound

Thanks all!  He’s back on reduced treats, currently has his tablet until lunchtime but will be breaking for Joe wicks and a dog walk.  Considering trying him on the meditation app again if I can get him to sit still for 5 mins!  Luckily he hasn’t eaten anything yet that I’m aware of but you could do dot to dot on the bruises on his legs🙀

South_coast

My legs are normally like that - not a good look with formal dresses at work! Only one bruise (which is almost gone) at the moment, which I can only attribute to the more relaxed pace of working from home meaning I'm not rushing about all the time like normal and being a bit more mindful! 

savingholmes

Is there anything you can do self-care wise that would make it easier to cope during this period?