Boarding
Life in the Boarding House during a lockdown
Through our recent lockdown, we were fortunate to have 14 boarders stay onsite. During this lockdown boarders spent the first day or two simply reenergising their mind and body. Lockdowns take a toll on both the mind and body and our boarders needed the time to relax, regroup and recharge. I found this took about 48hours, and by Saturday afternoon boarders were rebounding with some of the normal energy and enthusiasm we would usually see.
As loco in parentis for our boarding families, all of our staff play an integral role in caring for each boarder. This role they take seriously and with passion. During our recent lockdown boarders enjoyed cups of tea and afternoon snacks, knitting, movie nights and pizza, games on the basketball courts, a BBQ brunch, pool and table tennis competitions, horse riding, bike riding, hockey practice, computer gaming on the big screen, even laying around at our house and completing jigsaws or jumping on the trampoline, whilst others even helped Olive (my daughter) with her barbie doll wedding!
Life in lockdown as an extended family is to be celebrated and viewed as an opportunity. Which our family thoroughly enjoy. I thank our parents for the privilege to care for their children and we understand during these times it is difficult to have them away for you, but please know they are very happy together and very well-cared for in our College Boarding House.
Some helpful tips for families during lockdown.
Lockdowns though, do also have their challenges. And, as a father, husband and loco in parentis for many families, I know all too well the toll these lockdowns can play. I am certainly no expert on lockdown survival, however, I have collated some resources for families whilst also sharing some of my thoughts.
1. It is so important parents and adults to monitor and look after our wellbeing and be honest with our adolescent about how we feel. Listening to our child, keeping to the facts, and hearing them out are all important when they want to be heard. Sometimes an adolescent just wants to be left alone and that’s ok too. Other times they want to vent. As I have observed when a lockdown begins, it has taken around 48hours to see some rebounding to begin.
2. Their friends mean everything to them. Socialising whilst exercising, sharing hobbies, or watching a movie can also be times adolescents are at their best. When they are engaged in a task, they talk, and talk, and talk, which is great. Be sure to use social media, zoom, TEAMS and facetime to your advantage too, with relatives, extended friends or as a family.
3. Keep to a routine as best as possible. Making their bed, cleaning up and moving away from their room is important too. Limiting screen time, getting fresh air, engaging in exercise, continuing with meal times, and going to bed with a regular routine will all help the transition in and out of lockdown.
Additional resources:
- Discussing and reassuring an adolescent (Michael Carr-Gregg) https://studentwellbeinghub.edu.au/parents/topics/your-child-s-mental-and-physical-health-secondary/
- Coping with COVID stress : https://headspace.org.au/young-people/how-to-cope-with-stress-related-to-covid-19/
- Spending too much time online : https://www.esafety.gov.au/young-people/spending-too-much-time-online
- How to discuss COVID with younger children :https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/coronavirus-how-talk-child.html
- Maintaining healthy habits in lockdown : https://coronavirus.beyondblue.org.au/covid-normal/supporting-personal-wellbeing/how-to-maintain-your-healthy-lockdown-habits-in-the-new-normal.html
- Michael Carr-Gregg resources - https://michaelcarrgregg.com
General resources for adolescents -
https://studentwellbeinghub.edu.au/parents/topics/your-child-s-mental-and-physical-health-secondary/
Andrew Monk
Director of Boarding