QUARANTEENIES

When I accepted the brief to do this page a mere three weeks ago, the prospect of selfisolation, whilst daunting and full of unfamiliar challenges, was also exciting and held promise and opportunities: from DIY to finishing that novel; getting to know the neighbours and even contributing to a local magazine. We had been given the gift of precious time with our loved ones. I write to you now from a very different world; the honeymoon period is over and we’re here for the long haul.

Despite not having kids myself a children’s page would be a piece of cake, or so I naively thought. Many of my friends are parents and teachers, and the internet is full of good ideas and advice. New phrases such as 'quarantine shaming' and 'isolation envy' have crept into our vocabulary and I do not want to encourage these or add to the levels of stress that some are experiencing by setting unrealistic goals or giving unsolicited advice, as there is plenty of that flying around at the moment. It is for that reason that I am letting you know that Birmingham City Council has commissioned kooth.com, from XenZone, an online counselling and emotional well-being platform for children and young people. If you feel you are in danger of becoming part of the surging domestic violence statistics then call Birmingham and Solihull Women’s Aid on 0808 800 0028. Women’s Aid have also launched a chat service which you can find here: https://chat.womensaid.org.uk/ and services are also available for other genders.

Every family is different and what works for one is not necessarily 'right' and may not work for another: some prefer maintaining a routine; others have come to treat it like a holiday and fit education in when possible. Many celebrities are offering online resources to satisfy their need for attention/ help the nation though lockdown.

HERE'S A SAMPLE TIMETABLE: 9.00am - PE with Joe Wicks https://youtu.be/6v-a_dpwhro

10.00am - Maths with Carol Vorderman www. themathsfactor.com or live science from glasgowsciencecentre.org

Kids in Lockdown: QUARANTEENIES

11.00am - English with David Walliams https://www. worldofdavidwalliams.com/ elevenses/

12.00pm - Lunch (cooking with Jamie Oliver) https://www. jamieoliver.com/feat…/category/ get-kids-cooking/

1.00pm - Music with Myleene Klass https://www. youtube.com/channel/ UCQh2wgJ5tOrixYBn6jFXsXQ

1.30pm - Dance with Darcey Bussell https:// twitter.com/diversedance…/ status/1241098264373592065

2.00pm - History with Dan Snow (free for 30-days) https:// tv.historyhit.com/signup/ package

4.00pm - Home Economics with Theo Michaels (Mon/Wed/Fri) https://www.instagram.com/ theocooksScience with Brian Cox: https://cosmicshambles. com/stayathome/upcomingschedule.

Kids in Lockdown: QUARANTEENIES

Moseley has fine local celebrities also doing their part. If you are fed up with the housewife’s favourite Joe Wicks then Emma's https://www. facebook.com/drumnbounce/ will get you moving, or for a more relaxed pace then Laur Bee's https://www.facebook. com/LaurBeeWellbeing , www. iamyogi.co.uk and https://www. facebook.com/MoseleyYoga are offering live online Yoga. Speaking of exercise it has been so uplifting to see the rainbow symbols of love and support for the NHS during our daily constitutional. This seems to have impressed the local police who have been dropping Easter eggs off to the artists where they see them (I must get drawing). Moseley Park is running a Springwatch (at moseleypark.co.uk) - you don’t even need a key!

Ultimately though just getting our families through this physically and mentally intact is probably enough. We should be kind and not judge ourselves too harshly against impossible standards, and remember to give ourselves a break. I will finish with reflections from a teacher in China on her recently ended lock down:

“1. Accept that you have no control over the situation. Let go of any thoughts of trying to plan too much for the next month or two. Things change so fast. Don't be angry and annoyed at the system. Anxiety goes down, and you make the best of the situation - whatever that might be for you. Accept that this is what it is and things will get easier.

2. Try not to listen to/read/ watch too much media. It WILL drive you crazy. There is such a thing as too much!

3. The sense of community I have felt during this time is incredible. I could choose who I wanted to spend my energy on - who I wanted to call, message and connect with and found the quality of my relationships has improved.

4. Appreciate this enforced downtime. When do you ever have time like this? I will miss it when we go back to the fast-paced speed of the 'real world'. 5. Time goes fast. The relationships I have built have only continued to grow. It was a time to learn and develop.

6. You learn to appreciate the little things: sunshine through the window, flowers blossoming and being able to enjoy a coffee in a cafe.

To those just beginning this journey: You will get through it. Listen to what you are told, follow the rules and look out for each other. There is light at the end of the tunnel.”

- Max Jalil