Our Shilton Boys // April 2020

It’s been a couple of months since I shared an update on these boys as I simply ran out of time. It’s been a crazy few months with the current pandemic ongoing.. Olly finished school at the end of March and he’s been homeschooled to a fashion, so both boys have had each other constantly for company, which has been both wonderful and stressful at times.

The best of friends (mostly)

Being at home with the boys constantly has been rather tiring. They adore each other but know how to wind each other up. One minute they’re all over each other and playing nicely, the next they’re squabbling over a piece of Lego or a car. Olly will retreat and usually give in to Freddie and we’re trying to reinforce the message that Freddie needs to share with his older brother.

Bedtimes have been stressful. We’ve tried to keep the routine as normal as possible with Freddie’s usual nap throughout the day but they’ve both been staying awake longer of an evening. Freddie’s sleep pattern is very odd and has been getting me up at 2-4am and only settling once he’s got my company. I’ve tried to stay awake to retreat back to my own room but I keep falling asleep! It won’t last forever, she says!

Loving the garden

Both boys have loved playing in the garden on their scooters and playing with their toys. They’ve been car washing their cars, the patio and each other whilst the warmer weather was here. I’m hoping we can really enjoy the garden out there this summer. Freddie has planted some seeds with his Dad and he enjoys watering them every night.

We’ve also been able to use my in-laws back garden once a week so the boys can have a safe run around. I absolutely love their garden, it’s such a brilliant space. The boys’ Grandparents stay inside (observing social distancing of course) and they can see the boys playing in the garden.

Anxiety flare ups

Olly, who only turned seven in February, has been quite anxious about the pandemic. He is fine throughout the day however come night time, it’s almost like his bottled up thoughts come spilling out and he gets upset. We don’t have the news on during the day to shield him away from the latest news. I’ve bought him a journal to write in to help get some of his thoughts and feelings out on paper. Whilst we’re reassuring him that he is safe and well and we’re doing our best to look after everyone, he is aware of the pandemic and social distancing; asking when he can give his Grandparents a cuddle, see his family and play with his friends. I really hope this doesn’t hinder his progress he made at school but we’ll see.

We’re homeschooling for the foreseeable and trying to enjoy each others constant company whilst we’re in this pandemic. I’m sure it’ll will have helped strengthen the boys relationship if nothing else!