Our family routine during lockdown
Every family needs a routine. I have found so many times to my detriment that, without a routine things go to pot all too quickly. Things get missed, we feel unsettled and we end up fighting metaphorical fires and just 'existing' rather than living.
This has never been more apparent than when our usual family routine was disrupted back in March this year. Of course, it was the same for many families and households across the world. Because of this, our 'new normal' had to be found pretty quickly.
At that point, Ross was working, I was working, Grace was suddenly off from school and - probably the most disruptive of all - Rex was home from nursery. I don't think you realise how unruly a young child is until you have them with you 24/7. It has been a tricky situation.
Our new way of 'being'
As things evolved, my workload increased and Ross saw his lessen, we had to find a new routine. A way to get through each day by finding a new way of going forward.
To start with, Ross and I shared the childcare 50/50. Grace, at 13, is self-sufficient and, thankfully, we have never needed to remind her to do her schoolwork. She just gets on with it. We did, however, have to keep finding ways to keep Rex amused.
It was an adventure in the beginning. We played outside the front of the house and had lunchtime picnics but the pressure on me to work increased and I found myself needing more time. As a result, we have tried several different schedules and have finally arrived at one which works.
Our lockdown day
Currently, our routine starts from 8.30am. I go up to start work and Ross spends the morning with Rex. He plays with him in a couple of rooms and then takes him out for a walk. Grace then takes over around 12-12.30pm for an hour and I then come down for lunch and some downtime with Rex as Ross goes for his rest. This is much-needed due to his Fibromyalgia.
At 4pm he takes back over on the Rex duty as I return to my desk for another 2 hours. Then, at 6.30pm I come back down to spend the last half an hour or so with the children, before one or more of us does bath, book and bed.
Taking comfort in the familiar
One of the things that has been important for all of us during this time is some of the familiar routines we had prior to lockdown - and the ones which will continue long after it ends.
I think the most important one must be the bedtime routine. Not just for Rex but for all of us. The system works and, has done since Rex was a small baby. Epaderm came into our lives last October and quickly became a part of this.
Bedtime begins with a play in our bedroom (usually resulting in Rex jumping on our bed!). Then it is off to the bathroom.
Rex has a play in the bath and at least one of us is there to oversee him and join in the games. Then, once bath is finished, it is time for a dry off and the application of cream or ointment.
Rex has suffered with a sore bottom as well as underarm areas and I find that, with a regular application of Epaderm, we have managed to keep this at bay. Then it is time for a book followed by bed.
Epaderm during lockdown
An effective emollient range, Epaderm has really helped us, in far more ways than I would have imagined over lockdown. Not just for the children and their skin conditions, but for me too. As a plus, Epaderm can also be used as a handwash which has come in very handy in addition to antibacterial hand soap.
The fact that it only takes a small application to make a big impact means that we have not had to worry about keeping on popping to the pharmacy to pick up more supplies - particularly as this is an extremely stressful job at the moment. On top of this and due to the worry, my eczema has come back with a vengeance. It is particularly aggressive on my right hand so, I have started to apply the highly effective ointment in the morning and the soft, soothing cream in the evening. A continuous application has meant that my eczema hasn't spread or worsened.
The other side
We are gradually coming out the other side of lockdown. With Rex returning to nursery and Grace and I returning to outside influences of school and work in September, I am well aware that our routines will be changing again and there will be new stresses and challenges to face. Thankfully though, we will still have the familiar to take comfort in.
Giveaway
Would you like a chance to try Epaderm for yourself? I am giving away their full range. All you need to do is head to the Verily Victoria Vocalises website and complete the instructions listed on the page. Terms and Conditions included on the widget.
