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It’s felt like a heavy week this week. So much sadness and hate in the news and media. The feeling that there are still such huge changes to be made to society to ensure fairness and equality. There’s been a lot to think about and to carry. On the plus side, all children are now back at school and it feels like there’s hope in terms of lockdown lifting now.
A heavy week in the news
It’s definitely been a hard and heavy week in the news. The murder of Sarah Everard has caused lots and lots of women to speak out about the danger they feel walking alone after dark. It’s mad that it’s just so accepted and engrained that it’s like it never occurred to anyone to talk about it or really question it. I certainly never have.
But like most other women, I have done all the things… Holding keys in my hand while walking alone at night, made a pretend phone call, made a detour if I was worried someone was following me… The list goes on. It’s just wrong that women still have to feel this way – there is something so wrong with society. I just really hope that things can change in time before my daughter grows up, but it’s hard to picture how.
Back to school
On a more positive note, on Monday all children were back to school – for many the first time in months. This is amazing for so many kids who had probably had little to no interaction with other children for so long. Not to mention all the parents tearing their hair out with home schooling!
School anxiety
I had a feeling C would be anxious though. The twigs went back a few weeks ago but were in small bubbles with a more relaxed routine than usual. I think this really suited C, so I was a little nervous about how she would cope being back in the usual classroom environment.
And drop-off on Monday was even more horrendous than I’d predicted. C was really excited to see all her classmates, but also anxious about not knowing what the day would look like, who she’d be sitting with etc. In hindsight I realise I could probably have got some of this information from the teacher ahead of time to allay her fears a bit. I find it hard to get the balance though, between preparing her enough that she feels reassured, and talking about something too much and actually making her more nervous!
Anyway she point-blank refused to go in. A few members of staff tried to coax her but eventually she ran off. I had to basically chase her to make sure she didn’t get out near the road. She got really distressed and in a complete panic, which was horrid. Eventually the headteacher distracted her for a few seconds and whisked her in. I had to make a quick run for it. (I don’t like to leave her distressed like that but it’s SO hard to know what else to do sometimes).
Thankfully after a horrid start to the week, she was absolutely fine every other day. School anxiety/refusal has always been a thing for her but recently had been happening more and more. I think 4 days is the longest she’d been without it happening for a while so that was good! Fingers crossed she will continue feeling ok about going in 🙂
Lockdown lifting
All children going back to school does feel like the beginning of the end of lockdown. I don’t want to get my hopes up too much, as I don’t want to be disappointed if the easing of restrictions has to be delayed. But still, I can’t help but feel a little excited at the rule of 6 returning soon. Being able to go for a walk with my mum and sister again will be lovely. And the speed of the vaccine rollout has been really positive news too 🙂 Definitely things to be hopeful about!
Mother’s Day
Another positive thing for us was Mother’s Day. The husband had gone to so much effort this year, which was so lovely. Obviously we couldn’t go anywhere too exciting but we had a nice walk in our usual park then went home for coffee and cake – perfect! So this week’s Living Arrows photos are from then 🙂
Thanks for reading! Til next time,
Hannah xx
24 Comments
The news certainly has felt very heavy this week hasn’t it? It brought home to so many of us how many little things we do to try and keep ourselves safe that feel “normal” and really shouldn’t have to be. I’m so sorry that C was so anxious going back in on Monday and found it so hard but glad that the rest of the week was better for her. The photos from your Mother’s Day walk are beautiful. #MMBC
Aww thank you so much lovely xx
I’m happy to read that C found it a little easier getting into school throughout the rest of the week. I’m so excited about the rule of 6 coming into place- I’ve already got coffee and a walk dates planned with friends- I’m desperate for adult conversation and a walk that doesn’t involve stopping every 5 seconds to pick up a stick!
Katrina x
Ah lovely, gosh I’ve planned nothing – maybe should get my butt in gear haha!
What beautiful rainbow tights, scarves and colourful snapshots!
Aw thank you 🙂 x
So glad to hear you had a wonderful mother’s day! I know just what you mean about trying to balance between giving information but not bringing more attention to something that might not have otherwise caused any anxiety; it can be a very fine line.
Yes definitely, thank you xx
Great post and beautiful pictures. I am happy you’re hanging in there and making it work. I write about the challenges of raising twins along with helpful tips and tricks for navigating the whole parenting journey on https://www.curiousbillgentlebull.com/blog/ It’s great to be a part of this awesome parenting community.
Thanks, will check it out! 🙂
Great post!
Thank you!
I’m glad things got easier as the week progressed. We’re so exhausted from school – the children just really aren’t used to it! x
Gosh yes same here – bit of a shock to the system! x
What gorgeous photos!! I’m sorry to hear your girlie was struggling, it’s a big change again for them isnt it. Hopefully she’ll settle back in, and be ok again in no time xx
Thank you, it’s an ongoing thing for her but she seems happy once she’s in! Hope everything ok with you 🙂 x
I have also done all those things. Crazy that the worlds not moved on. Glad C settled back into school after that first day. Looks like a lovely park perfect for a Mother’s Day walk
Isn’t it mad! Thanks lovely xx
It really was a heavy week and I agree it’s hard to see how things will change massively going forward, I suppose baby steps could hopefully be achieved that we educate the next generation better. I hope that C has settled into teh bigger class sizes. I have heard a few mums saying the same going form small bubbles to whole classes again has been emotional. xx
She’s been fine with it actually, if anything she seems happier! I don’t understand kids sometimes haha! Still struggling getting in some mornings though, but then she always has. Hope yours have all settled back in ok x
That picture of the three of you is so lovely! I hope the littles had another good week at school – I’ve been there with them being dragged in crying, it’s heart breaking but by all accounts they’re always fine again 2 minutes later! Hopefully after this week and a break for Easter they’ll all be raring to go again when they go back 🙂
Haha hopefully! Thank you, it’s rare I get in a pic with them! x
So glad she was OK in school after that first day. It is so horrible having to leave them upset 🙁
It really is 🙁 Yes thankfully we’ve had a run of good days now, fingers crossed we don’t go backwards after the Easter hols! x