Lockdown anxiety.

What challenge does this story focus on?

Lockdown and the after effects on my son.

How has this challenge affected you?

During lockdown, like lots of people, I found it hard in some ways. We were all at home, I was lucky as my husband had been furloughed, I was doing  a bit of work from home and in the office sometimes. The kids really enjoyed being at home, rather than school.

In a lot of ways it actually really suited us! We are a family of introverts, so just keeping to ourselves kind of suits us! We are lucky to live in a beautiful place so were able to do lots of walks. We even made a giraffe, which caused a lot of amusement to the neighbours! I did however find it affected me mentally – I ended up doom scrolling on my phone, and obsessively analysing figures.

However after lockdown, my son developed anxiety, as we had spent so much time telling him it was unsafe outside that he believed us! He became obsessive over germs, food, and being safe. Developed seperation anxiety and was unable to do things he had previously enjoyed.

What has or is helping you to move forward with this challenge?

We have got him some professional help and are reading lots of parenting books to help him and with the support of the school as well he is doing well.

What have you learnt as a result of this challenge?

Children beleive what we tell them, for good or bad!

How do you use this learning in your life now?

We are learning to cope together, it is remarkable how resiliant children are.

What positive message would you like the reader to go away with?

It’s always possible to grow and change.