Life in Lockdown - Week Three

They say the third week is the worst. We have fallen into a bit of a routine now but have had some struggles too. From fitness and mindfulness to daily chores and housework. Managing screen time has been a real focus as has finding some escape from being in the same room as each other with the "banter" turning to "slanging matches" on a regular basis as we start to get on each other's nerves. Finding snippets of kindness is becoming more and more important to functioning family life.

The boys have begun a push up pyramid we are calling "it" whereby we work up the pyramid from 1 push up to 9 and then back down the other side back to 1. In total it is only 81 push ups but doing the pyramid every day is a good discipline to implement. The next increment to go to 10 will take us to an even 100 push ups a day. We're not quite ready for ten yet as we are more runners than power athletes but definitely adding some structure to the day. Sit ups are next, with 300 the magic number being 100 upper, 100 obliques and 100 lower abs. We love the burn of the last few each set before starting again. Ollie is supplementing this inside exercise with running both speed repetition and longer base running. Sarah is following her program toward running a marathon when all this is over too with Charlie and I taking turns in riding bikes to keep some company and for some fresh air.

Sarah and the kids are continuing their yoga sessions. Charlie even remarked over dinner last night that he is practicing mindfulness in not arguing. It is a work in progress as it seems at times he is arguing for a fair chunk of his awake time but the perspective was a step in the right direction.

Food is the battleground. We were warned that the constant requests for food would wear us down some years ago. I imagine all parents of active boys go tone deaf eventually to the question, "what can I have to eat." I am usually at a place of work meaning my exposure is limited to early morning and night. The early morning is taken care of as they are asleep. The middle of the day and nights however are a constant stream of food requests. I had a teacher once who used to remark that the bell was merely a reminder to the teacher that if they chose at some point in the relatively near future they could dismiss the children. I feel the same with dinner. Sarah serves the boys large portions which they demolish as an entree. Then they have seconds before asking what they can have for desert with the routine continuing until I go to bed! On rising I clean out the full dishwasher only to reload it with the "after dinner" dishes of almost the same amount. I reckon we might need a second dishwasher just for the kids when Charlie turns 13!

Respect is becoming a buzz word in our house. I understand that it is hard to be inside a lot of the time and that everyone is a bit on edge. Maintaining respect is desirable however for harmonious relationships. I have to practice myself not biting when I am being deliberately antagonized. Charlie is a master. He was actually blissfully happy last night when he "got me" to bite. I felt bad for saying some harsh things but he both brushed it off and looked completely smug that he had successfully broken my composure. I think he does it for his own amusement actually. He seems to enjoy goading Oliver, Sarah and I. One would think it is a career limiting move at age 10 (nearly 11) and needing support from those three on a daily basis. I think he will be a rock that people break themselves against for some time to come.

Easter is now over and it is back to the sanctuary of work for me and back to the daily grind for Sarah. I am sure we are not the only family looking to "learning from home" requirements for education with a little bit of trepidation. First world problems for sure but still challenging times in the mental health and wellness section of family life. To all the families out there, I hope you are navigating the Covid-19 isolation ok and remembering to laugh a little at your own foibles as they come to the surface.