We’ve just been plunged into another national lockdown as a result of the coronavirus and Covid-19 pandemic. Hopefully, this will signal a positive and bright future, as vaccines are rolled out and people may begin to live their lives as usual within a few months. But for now, we have the rather dreary prospect of spending the next few months indoors. All stores are closed except essential food outlets and pharmacies. Schools are closed. Workplaces have largely closed. We’re being asked to stay home unless absolutely essential. So, what can you do to help your family get through this? Here are some suggestions that should help you along the way.
Plan Financially
A huge issue that many of us face during lockdown is financial hardship. If you have any spare money, now is a good time to place it into a savings account rather than spending it on non essentials. Many people lose work through redundancies, or find that they operate on reduced hours or a reduced salary during the lockdown. Having something behind you can be a big comfort. If you are looking for ways to make money from home, you can consider setting up your own online business. Of course, you will need help to get the ball rolling – a web designer, for example, or software like Userzoom’s UX testing tool. But once your site is operating well, you could see profits come rolling in.
Avoid Panic Buying
We’ve learnt some lessons since the last national lockdown and a main one is that panic buying doesn’t benefit anyone. As long as everyone continues to do their food shopping as usual, there will be plenty enough for everyone.
Keeping the Kids Occupied
Another trouble that parents face during lockdown is keeping the kids occupied. Usually, they’d be at school for most of the day, so they’re bound to be a little bored when they find themselves home all day every day. Make sure to plan plenty of activities that can help to stimulate them. Some good examples include:
- Arts and crafts
- Exercise
- Reading
- Games
- Baking
- Playing with toys
- Watching educational shows and films
Keeping in Touch
As with the last lockdown, we can’t emphasise the importance of staying in touch with loved ones enough right now. By now, many of us have found the methods that work best for us. Whether that’s texting, phone calls, video calls or anything else. Pay particular attention to keeping in touch with those who aren’t so adept with technology – often the elderly. It can be easy to feel pretty lonely during times like these and you don’t want anyone left feeling completely isolated or alone.
These are just a few suggestions that should help you to get along. Every family deals with things in their own way. The important thing is to keep your chin up and to know that there will be light at the end of the tunnel!
