Our Shilton Boys // May 2020

Another month in lockdown for our boys; it’s been an experience. Both boys have thrived in different ways; Freddie is communicating much more, almost to the point where we can have full on conversations with him and he knows exactly what you mean when we ask him something. Olly’s confidence has come on in leaps and bounds where he’s happy to talk on the phone to his school friends and his cousin now which is a huge leap!

Homeschooling in lockdown

Olly hasn’t been a fan of homeschooling really. He wants to do the bare minimum and then play on his consoles. We’ve tried to make it fun for him and print off worksheets, read books and watch interesting YouTube videos and lives about certain topics he enjoys but on the whole he doesn’t love it. The schoolwork sent to us everyday isn’t brilliant but I understand the pressures they’re under so don’t expect much.

We’ve had to implement some rules during lockdown as Olly wanted to play on his Xbox 24/7. He now has to complete his school work and a set of very basic chores before he can go and play on the xbox. We don’t want to restrict this as it lets him relax and he’s chatting to his school friends and his cousin at the same time. Prior to lockdown he wouldn’t have spoken to his friends on Skype or FaceTime but now he’s happy too.

Missing family and friends

My in-laws live in the next town to us and within 3 minutes we can be in their back garden enjoying the space. My in-laws have been staying in the house and watching us through the window or at their back door. It’s been lovely for them to watch the boys run around playing with their football and the cricket set. The boys have loved seeing their family too. They’ve missed them so much!

It was my nephew’s 12th birthday earlier this month so we arranged to meet up at the bottom of their drive with gifts for the birthday boy. We also took over essentials as my sister was self-isolating but it was lovely to see them both. I drove over with the boys and they stood at the bottom of the lawn next to the drive and were really good about not getting too close. My Mom and Dad did the same and it was lovely to see everyone. Similarly, it was my Dad’s birthday last week so we did similar and stood socially distanced in my Parent’s back garden. I cannot wait to give my family a proper cuddle!

No immediate changes here for us

Just last week lockdown was relaxed and we can now see friends and family at a distance in the park. However, I don’t think we’ll change anything because our families health is much more important. Don’t get me started on what I think about the schools returning in June too, thankfully Olly’s in Year 2 so no immediate return for him but we’re planning to keep him off for longer. I respect everyone’s choice and firmly stand by when our school believe it’s safe for him to return we’ll definitely consider it but not before then.

We’re hoping the weather improves and we can once again get out in the garden and build dens, wash cars and draw and design chalk pictures on the concrete.