Groundhog day and TV appearances? Latest blog by Amanda one of our brilliant foster carers.
Anyone feel like we are stuck in the movie ‘groundhog day’?
Apart from the fact I’m not trying to do lots of dangerous things to get out of the loop and I’m no where as perfectly coiffured as Andy McDowell. I get up, home school, explain to the littlies why school isn’t happening and why they can’t go to Fred’s house. I then float into the monotonous routine of suggesting that washing hands is a thing that must happen and then eat and sleep.
Occasionally the loop gets broken with an exciting trip to Asda, where I get enough food to sink a battle ship.
Although we’ve been in lockdown, there are good bits. I get to have dinner with all my children at once instead of being dumped for the newest friend or movie and have rediscovered the fun of going to the chippie. A trip that usually happens because I’m having a lazy mummy day.
In between all this I did get to appear on TV. No not because I lost it and ran naked across the beach shouting ‘take my kids back teachers, I can’t cope’, but because a very pretty TV bloke wanted to talk to me about fostering. I did briefly think that they were going to whisk me away to the studio by limo, but then I remembered lockdown.
Instead of a plush studio, I barricaded myself in my bedroom and crossed my fingers that the kids wouldn’t come in. I then fiddled around on Skype to see if it had soft lighting and that tool that touches up your wrinkles. No it doesn’t !! Thank goodness ITV cut out my messy bed and underwear strewn across the floor.
Two radio interviews followed this, but thankfully no visuals for that.
I’d like to say I’ve discovered the joy of healthy living, redecorated my home and found a Coronavirus vaccine in my spare time, but I’m tired, getting fed of teaching and can’t wait to buy a not needed, won’t wear because it won’t fit me, item of clothing in Primark.
Hopefully all my foster care colleagues are still hanging in there. Stay sane and glare at all the people who utter ‘Keep smiling.’
I am so proud of all our foster parents, who have coped so well during lockdown, with our young people at home all the time. They have adapted to online meetings, a different kind of support from our fostering team, changed contact arrangements with families, and in some cases self-isolation. You are all amazing.