2nd April 2020 (My real April fools day)
I tried to start today more positive. I had a chat to Mr 12 about getting on and doing his work as well as the need to get out for some fresh air. The plan was good. The execution was appalling.
By 10am we were all yelling at each other, the work was mounting and we were behind. At 10:50am I managed to get everyone on their bikes and we headed down to the foreshore. We had messaged the PE teacher so he was aware we were off exercising (and marked as present). As it was period 3 we were able to combine our outing with recess. This meant we had a reasonable amount of time before Mr 12 had to sign into any classes.
This excursion was an eye opener for the kids for several reasons. Firstly, they realised I was actually right (not that they would admit it!!). Getting dressed and out of the house did make you feel better. Secondly, they were shocked to see fences around the playgrounds and skatepark. It was quite confronting for them to see illustrated quite how the outside world is changing. I guess it made them realise this horrible situation is actually real.
After this, it was back to the grind and me needing to split in two. We ploughed on through the work as best we could, splitting up fights as we went. But still, we were behind………… or at least Mr 12 was. In the end we had to go back to it at 7pm to finish up.
But, probably the worst part of the day was the bit that I will look back on and laugh. My friend had dropped over with a puzzle she had borrowed. We were chatting in the driveway (with more than 2m space between us) when we heard Mr 12 scream and then start crying. I sent Miss 10 to see what was happening and she returned crying.
My friend retreated and I headed in to see what was going on. The TV screen was smashed, Mr 12 stood there with a ball in his hands and Miss 10 was inconsolable. So many things ran through my head. Were TVs even available at the moment? (or were they like toilet roll?) Could we buy a new one? How could we do weeks of isolation with no TV? How should I punish him?
I burst into tears. It was all too much.
Then there was a small laugh.
Then Mr 12 burst out….. “It is a prank. I downloaded the image”
He apologised at least ten times, he didn’t realise it would upset me so much. “Sorry, sorry, sorry, it was meant to be funny”………… but it was too late, I was already on the wine.
He got me good.
Prof Bee
Covid parenting 