WHAT A DIFFERENCE A WEEK MAKES!

Well another week, and massive changes again.

Being in self isolation is something we have never had to face as a nation, Australia the land of the outdoors, people chatting in the park, beer and barbecues, “Put another prawn on the barbie” as Paul Hogan said years ago.  Isn’t that what it’s all about? A friend who moved here from the UK said recently, Aussies are so different from Poms, friendly, open and outdoors people, who love to chat.

Not anymore.

Instead the new reality is physical distancing, I guess what comes out of this, is a new way of socialising and time for self -reflection. We need to stay connected and still maintain support.

Some people have moved smoothly to the new situation while others struggle. Single people with children must feel quite alone. It’s hard to stay isolated and support your child by yourself.

“.You thought dogs were hard to train? Look at all the humans who can’t sit and stay “says a post on Facebook.

Our neighbourhood is fortunately very sociable, people in our street know who their neighbours are, and at times of stress, like the floods in Brisbane in 2011 people were quick to help. But now it’s harder, parents are trying to fill in long days with young kids, avoiding grandparents who are most at risk. Families are broken apart. These kids hardly understand why their world has suddenly changed, why they can’t go on playdates with their friends, see their grandparents, or why suddenly Dad or Mum are  going round and round the block teaching their children to ride, a good chance to escape from a 24/7 partner. Testing times indeed! It’s a new world where spending time alone with your partner also presents new challenges.

A Facebook post summed this up well, with a woman who after two weeks isolation is knitting her husband a scarf in the shape of a noose. We have to be able to laugh!

 

Let’s keep our sense of humour    …..

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