‘The key is not to panic because this exacerbates the situation, just like dominos falling’

For the past few days now, I’ve been thinking about how are we going to manage as a family in these new circumstances. How are we going to make the best of a difficult situation?

Fortunately, I’ve already accepted our new reality, even if we’re not quite living it yet! We will be together every single second of every single day for I don’t know how long. There will be four individuals who will all want their needs met.

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How will I be managing it?

• By remaining calm when everyone else around me might be losing it.
• By being practical wherever possible.
• By keeping perspective as I have family members who are currently in lockdown on their own.
• By taking positive action which gives me a sense of control when so many things are uncertain.

The key is not to panic because this exacerbates the situation, just like dominos falling, and ask for help if you need it.

Here are some tips on how to survive and thrive:

1. Establish a routine
Both me and my husband will still need to work during this time and we’ll also have to take care of our children. The only way to balance work and keeping our kiddies occupied is a routine. This way we all know what is happening and we have a better chance of actually satisfying each other’s needs.

I’ve drawn up a simple daily timed outline plan that will include all the activities for the day. We will be completing our weekly plan with the children on the weekend as we want them to be fully involved. The basic structure of the day will obviously include mealtimes and the bedtime routine but will also include:

• Crafting
• Outdoor activities
• Academic learning
• Family activities
• Cooking
• Free time

This may seem like overkill to some but it will really help us to cope during this time.

2. Talking to our kids
I feel very fortunate that both my children seem pretty calm about everything at the moment. I think their schools have done a great job in educating them on what is happening.

As for hubby and I, we’ve tried to filter what they’re hearing as some of the language can be quite scary. But we’ve still been honest with them and also reassured them that we will manage and they are safe with us.

Frankie Stinchcombe, aged three, is getting creative with cardboard while at home. Photo courtesy of Matt Stinchcombe

Children are a lot more perceptive than we sometimes give them credit for. So, telling them what’s going on whilst using reassuring language makes them feel safe. I think it’s really important to have these conversations and tailor what we say depending on their age.

3. Keeping social
We may have been told to socially distance ourselves but that doesn’t mean that we can’t still be social. This is where technology is definitely our friend.

I may not be able to go and see my family and friends but I can still FaceTime them. Our road has also got a WhatsApp group so we can still stay in contact even if we can’t physically see each other.

One really important thing though is to be aware of those who may be more vulnerable or alone.

I have family abroad who are living by themselves and keeping in contact with them now more than ever is really important, as they are in lockdown. We will be messaging, Skyping and send silly videos to them to keep their spirits up.

4. Self-care
In this current climate, I personally feel that this is a must for both hubby and I as well as our children. One of my go to’s will definitely be through humour. Pretty easy when you’ve got two cheeky monkeys for children.

But we will also not restrict ourselves to the house. We will be spending time in the garden, going for walks and even going to the seaside.

Exercise once a day. Photo by Ellie Pipe

Plus, I intend to keep exercising and I will do this at home. And I can still continue kickboxing as training is now outdoors and online if the weather doesn’t allow it.

5. Meal planning
The good thing is I already do this and it means that our food waste is pretty low. I plan all our meals breakfast, lunch and dinner for the whole week. I like to keep it simple during the week which means I’m more extravagant on the weekends. Potential dishes for each meal could be:

• Breakfast: cereal, porridge, pastries
• Lunch: soup, pasta, sandwiches
• Dinner: chops with gnocchi and broccoli, veggie curry, salmon with a jacket potato and Greek salad.

I will be sharing more ideas on how you can survive and thrive throughout this whole period to help you make it a better experience for your families. I’d also love to hear if you have any suggestions or would like to know more.

Maria Newman is a writer for Bristol24/7 and runs her own blog, Mummy On A Break.

Main photo courtesy of Tara Miran

Read more: Surviving at home with the kids