Out Of The Mouths Of Babes ...

Sadly not being a mother myself, I was interested to find out how our local youngsters feel about corona induced social/physical distancing and isolation, and the impact it creates, through their unique, vulnerable perceptions, within their young lives.

I imagine these surreal and uncertain times are difficult for a small child to understand. I mean, hell, it's hard enough for adults to get their heads around!

Sensing mum and dad's initial anxiety and fear for loved ones' health and safety would prove daunting for a young kid. Suddenly, perhaps, everyone in the immediate family is homebound and nan and pop aren't allowed to visit, bearing their usual goodies and endless hugs.

Abruptly not being allowed to socialise with friends, nor attend school, nor play in public playgrounds or participate in their beloved team sports must be frustrating and confusing for littlies. They can't even shop with mum!

... and what if the Easter bunny had fallen ill with Covid-19? What if Santa gets sick? What then?

I approached a few dear friends of mine to explore what their gorgeous children thought of the current, strange, corona circumstances and here's what the munchkins had to say after being thrown some thought-provoking questions:

Zander, 6, Tarwin Lower -

"I'm just sad because I can't go to school or the beach or anywhere!"

Riley, 10, Walkerville -

“I miss seeing my friends and being able to learn with others. I miss my sports, basketball and footy, but I like it when mum goes to work and my big brother looks after me cause I eat whatever I want!"

William, 5, Korumburra -

"I am sad because we can't give Grandpa cuddles he needs. He is very sick."

Peter, 7, Meeniyan -

"I'm angry and bored staying home all the time and only going on stupid walks and bike rides."

Harvey, 5, Tarwin Lower -

“I like building and playing in my fort, but the virus is bad and we need to make it go away. I miss playing with my friends and my cousins and I want to go to Walkerville.”

Edward, 3, Tarwin Lower -

“Because the virus is not gone, we have to stay at home. My favorite part was doing concrete with poppy and going to the jungle, but now we can't go anywhere and I want to go to Walkerville in my camper trailer.”

Julia, 10. Leongatha -

“Well, my favorite thing about isolation is going on the ipad, but what I don't like is the school work. I sort of miss school. I really miss my friends.”

Oliver, 8, Meeniyan -

“I like that I can stay home, but I don't like that it's different!”

Patrick, 6, Walkerville -

I like playing at home and watching TV/movies, but I miss seeing my friends and going to the park.”

The common denominator speaks for itself! Friends are sorely missed. The kids are craving social interaction, especially with their peers.

I asked my accommodating friends and mums of these expressive children, how they best manage and assist their offspring to remain content and hopeful.

The ladies assured me, providing acknowledging, comforting, honest answers to each child's questions was the key to minimising stress, fear and sometimes even a little impatience. They remind their kids often this phase is temporary and will pass, and encourage them to imagine how wonderful it will be to reunite with their friends, and to once again pursue their favorite hobbies, for now placed on hold.

One exhausted girlfriend stated, “Our time at home is assessed and structured on a day to day, sometimes hour by hour, basis and is predominantly influenced by the ever-changing moods and attitudes of our children.”

Another friend added, “A touch of bribery now and again always helps!"

Thankfully school resumes on May 26th for youngsters. No doubt there will be plenty of smiles on that glorious day, and not just on kid's faces.

            Harvey and his younger brother, Edward, playing in their backyard fort.