My kids finally get it.

With everything that has been going on about corona virus, the build to whether we will or won’t shut down, the news and the intense family discussion taking place in our house, the boys are fully aware of the virus and its impact. They have even taken to washing their hands more often without complaint! I know- it’s a small miracle.

However, even with their school closing and the fact that they have to be home-schooled by me, hasn’t really shaken them. Ben (my eldest), has already told me that he hates being home-schooled and wants to back. That is only after day 1 of lessons and fun activities I had planned for them. I didn’t take it to heart though. He is of that age when he is just starting to figure things out about himself and the world (okay, I did take it a little to heart- I am trying my best). I explained calmly why it is necessary and he showed a moment of maturity. He looked me dead in the eye and said, “I understand mum.” He then went back to his English work.

It wasn’t until yesterday that it really hit them. As a family, we ventured out for our exercise/walking the dog to a local park, that also had a children’s play area. But yesterday, the children’s play are was locked. My children were outraged. They shook the gate as if their little arms could actually bust it open. “WHY?” They both asked angrily.

I pointed to the sign that was just next to the gate, “Due to the spread of the Corona Virus, this play area is now closed. Sorry for any inconvenience.” It was the first time that I had seen both of them visibly angry and concerned. Particularly, as we were just there early yesterday morning and they could play with abandon.

Their world had been rocked. It finally settled into their minds, that life has actually changed beyond recognition and this virus actually affects them too. The things that we could do before with ease and enjoyment are now off limits. They looked at the slide and the swings as if they were mirage, something far off into the distance that they could never reach. It did break my heart to see these two boys that are so FULL of energy, so disappointed. I believe it is a formative moment for them. They will feel the impact of the corona virus for a long time.

For me, it was the collapse of the World Trade Centre coming down on September 11th 2001 that I knew, even as a young girl of eleven, that the world would feel it’s effects for a long time.

It does make me wonder about how my children are internalizing this global pandemic and I look forward to when they are older to talk about it. To see it from their perspective and understanding. But for now, all I can really say is that the kids finally, truly, get it.

 

Image by Sumanley xulx from Pixabay