We’ve had weeks of lock-down in the UK as I write this and although things are starting to ease a little, there’s still a long way to go and we are still urged to stay at home as much as possible. I’m pretty sure we’re all feeling the strain in one way or another. My little boy has just had his first birthday and while it wasn’t exactly what we had planned, it still turned out to be quite iso-lovely.

The sun shone down on us and we played in the garden for most of the day. It was one of those days where I was feeling grateful for having a garden. And a roof over our head. And a wonderful little one year old. And then I got emotional about the world I’m raising him in. And then I got sad, stressed, missed my friends and family, guilty that I’m not doing all of the great things that I see people doing on Instagram. So, I decided to put together a little blog of ways that we can try to get through this pandemic without having some sort of nervous breakdown... fingers crossed. It’s not just for this particular lock-down, but any time we feel a bit stuck. Stuck in a rut, stuck at home, stuck with chickenpox etc.

There will be things and activities to do with babies and toddlers to ways to look after your own physical and mental health too, ‘cos Mama YOU are important and you and doing a GREAT job.

10 Ways to Stay Sane with Little Ones During the Coronavirus Crisis (or Any Type of Isolation)

1) Get outside. Even if the weather is trying to tell you otherwise. Put your coats on, or hat and sun cream if we are fortunate enough for it to be nice, grab the buggy (and baby) and go for a walk. In the UK we are now allowed more than one form of outdoor exercise a day so try to make the most of it. We have recently adopted a 12 month old puppy and I once got told that raising little boys is like raising a dog in that their needs are the same- feed, sleep and fresh air. The dog is helpful in that she forces us the get out even when we don’t feel like it and we always feel better for it, and so will your kid(s).

2) Another option to get that fresh air is the get into the garden. Explore every detail with your little ones that you’ve probably missed before. Point out flowers, bees, butterflies, worms. Plant your own seeds and grow your own fruit and vegetables. Look at the clouds. Set up some makeshift bird feeders and see what they attract. If you don’t have a garden then see what you can spot out of the window. Play games of I spy outside or race to be the first to spot a certain colour or shape.

3) Messy play. Maybe stay in the garden for this one. Get the paints out and paint a rainbow on a pebble to leave somewhere on your walk to brighten up somebody’s day. Play in a sand tray if you have one. Or make a water tray and play with cups and watering cans. Babies and children are fascinated with water and also love to splash everyone and everything around them as much as possible!

4) Craft! No baby is too young for this and it’s fun for grown ups too... babies can put their painted hand or footprints on some card and either leave it at that or add a face and turn them into something special. Older toddlers can get creative and do their own paintings or drawings. Add a heartfelt message and post them to loved ones that you haven’t been able to see for a while to lift their spirits.

5) Disney solves everything. Disney + came along just at the right time. When all else fails or the weather turns, get some blankets and some favourite snacks, put on one of Walt’s classics and snuggle together for a couple of hours (if your child’s attention span can last that long..)

6) Baking or cooking together. This is a fun activity for toddlers and parents and even more fun when you get to eat the end result! This will inspire children to learn more about what they are eating and if they have been involved in the fun food preparation and know exactly what has gone into their dishes, it will encourage them to actually want to eat the end product.

7) Encourage independent play. This may sound lazy but hear me out. Independent play is so good for your child. It boosts creativity and imagination and gives them the confidence they need to be able to work things out and do things on their own. Obviously you should supervise at all times but you might be able to manage a sneaky cup of tea/glass of wine/strong gin (choose depending on how the day is going).

8) Have a date night after the kids have gone to bed. Put on a nice outfit as though you were going out. Make your favourite meals together. Share a bottle of wine and really talk to each other. Even if you are stuck in the same four walls together all day at the moment, chances are you’re not talking about anything but the kids or who is the more annoying. Use this time to remember why you work so well as a couple. An added bonus is that you’re saving money on not needing a babysitter.

9) An alternative to this is ME time. Again when the kids have gone to bed use your time wisely but this time focus on just yourself. Have a bath, put on a face mask, read a book, pamper yourself. Do whatever feels good for YOU. Make the most of this precious time without a small child attached.

10) Finally, try to stay positive. It is so easy to get swept up in all of the negativity in the world at the moment and while we do need to keep up with the current affairs, try not to let it get on top of you. Appreciate your family and what you’ve got. We may never get chance to have this much time together again and should think of it as a gift. Gratitude has been proven to lift our spirits and so even if the only thing you are grateful for is getting through the day without screaming into a pillow, count it as a win.

You’re doing great.