Lock-down Stories Part 3

As a mom, I've always been told that its easier to handle a child as he gets older. Mohammad's gonna be 7 in a month but until recently, the only thing that could amuse him were Lego. While Ibrahim would rather trash Lego, than play with them. Its a tug-o-war that I as a parent always lose, and I have to end up with their whining than let them play with the blocks. During the past few winter breaks, we tried our hand on writing, sketching, photographing, etc. to figure out some other hobby, it went on a while but not long enough.

Anyhow, I had several books of Origami and Kids crafts, stocked up from "Big Bad Wolf" last year and I thought this free time was the best to introduce this new craft to Mohammad. After a few hiccups, Mohammad took off really well with Origami, and to my utter delight he already remembers lots of designs. As a mother this has been the most amazing feeling experiencing what a child can learn just by a little support. We even continued to do a little sewing and embroidery (that was meant to be continued but since E-learning has started, we're running pretty short of time.) As he's big on making vlogs, I taught its time I should also introduce him to the world of blogging, hence http://mohammaddiaries.blogspot.com came into existence. 

Everyday I've been reading posts by women feeling upto their brim, taking care of their children and their household. I would like to tell them to take a breath, give your children a break from yourself also, and let them explore a new direction. And when you're taking care of them, remember you're not just nourishing their bodies, but also their souls. Rather than trying to entertain them, engage them in some household responsibility, that they may not be able to do well, but they're still learning.

Advice # 5: The best advice my Mom gave to me,"Let the mess be, spend time with children!"

Advice # 6: Children are watching, even when we think they're not. They're understanding our reactions, even when we think they don't. They Love us back, even if we've thrown a few flings at them. Remember to give them respect & time as much as you demand it!..

Lock-down Stories Part 2

It is still a partial lock-down around this part of the world.

To start with closure of Nurseries; Ibrahim loves going to his preschool, but holidays still always felt more fun to him. Hence, he was very excited the very first week, while I was (being hopeful) trying to remind him that he'll be going back soon. First week was all fun & games and picking up Big Brother from school, and making new friends there (Ibrahim is my very social cub).

Next week, the schools were closed down earlier than expect, and that also for 4 weeks. Mohammad is old enough to indulge himself into something of interest, while Ibrahim still looks up to one of us, and it has already been 10 days of being off.. He started to wake up crying, followed by lots and lots of whining. No toy, no comfort food could get us out of that state of distress, and I kept feeling more miserable. One random day he started to remember his school friends and cried so loud that even I was surprised. Then I figured that if anybody can help him, it can be Mohammad. There was a bit of tweaks and tricks, and Mohammad finally took up the job. Call for a better days ahead of me.

Its almost 3 weeks for Ibrahim and 2 weeks for Mohammad being off. While I'm struggling with all I can to keep their routine in line.. We all feel the need of fresh air..

We're still not in a complete lock-down, but I've been pretty concerned with the deal about CoronaVirus since it all began as Ibrahim has already given me some pretty serious scares regarding his health, and now I try to keep an Eagle eye on even the tiniest of physical symptom possible. Right now, CoronaVirus is a MAJOR DEAL!!.

Advice # 3: Times are different for our children than it was for us. We used to have one TV in a common room; Each child now has a smart device in their hands. Its a tough time for everyone, so be patient and understanding of the other people living beside you.

Advice # 4: I repeat, its a tough time for everyone, that includes ourselves also. Just when I was breathing a little out of routine, I'm stuck back there again, cooking, cleaning, feeding, doing the dishes, aaaaaaaaaand REPEAT.
My Advice, cry it out, if you feel like it. There's no shame. There should be no shame. Mommies maybe tough, but they also need a shoulder to lean onto.

Lock-down Stories Part 1

I've been reading and watching videos of people expressing their anxiety while going through the (almost global) lockdown in their cities.. Each one of them is totally done with staying at home after a few days, while all I've just felt worried about was not to be able to find the exact food my kids like to eat (not about shortage, just missing a few items. Thats nothing more than just a kind of Mommy-Anxiety). We went to grocery twice trying to fill up in case of a total lock-down, and I couldn't make my mind to buy anything more than what we stock in our routine monthly grocery.

Let me clear that part also as to why stocking is a necessity with the highly contagious nature of CoronaVirus. We needed to fill up for atleast a few weeks, not because of shortage of food, but, to avoid going out again and again, to avoid getting in contact with crowded areas, and to avoid touching things on the shelves that might've been touched by 100s people before us.

My Advice # 1: Please if you're able to stock, get stuff for a couple of weeks (not hoarding your godowns)

My Advice # 2: Try not to hold your hand if you see a person in need, this is the time to act up and help!