Things we used to do pre COVID that feel alien in 2021

Things we used to do pre COVID that feel alien in 2021

2021 – a brand new year and yet here we are again. Still in lockdown, still adjusting to the ‘new normal’ and still trying to navigate our way through everything that COVID-19 still continues to throw at us – including the prospect of another 6 weeks of homeschooling – at least!

We have been dealing with these changes to our freedoms and behaviours for coming up to 12 months now and like many people across the globe, our actions now have certainly made me questions some of the lifestyle choices and ways we behaved pre-COVID. I don’t just mean how we’ve learnt to appreciate the little things or valuing experiences over ‘things’ – although clearly that is the case – I mean questioning why we ever thought doing certain things was a good idea in the first place!

Let me explain… Here are some of the things we did Pre-COVID that in hindsight were never going to be a good idea.

Doctors Surgeries

Feeling ill? Let’s go to the doctors. Let’s go and sit in a poorly ventilated space with lots of other strangers who are also feeling really shit with unknown, yet to be diagnosed illnesses. Let’s sit side by side on very small, tightly packed plastic chairs and cough and splutter over each other for good measure, sharing a well fingered magazine with every other patient who has been in the surgery that day. If we are feeling really brave, let our kids play with the little wooden toy with beads that are desperate to be touched by poorly kids. That will end well.

Birthday Cakes

Celebrating the birthday of your germ infested beauty? Let’s invite all our friends and loved ones over for a massive party. To really get the party started, let’s share some yummy chocolate cake that our child has literally just BLOWN ALL OVER whilst we dance and cheer in their success. In no other setting would you voluntarily eat a meal that someone had most likely spat all over, yet for birthdays not only will we happily sit and tuck in, but we even take an extra piece home in a serviette to eat later incase the first set of germs didn’t quite make it to their destination. That will end well.

Soft Play Centres

*Shudder* – What could be better than a soft play centre full of loads of other peoples kids? Not only do these kiddy traps come with their own poor ventilated eco system, but feature approximately 2485 plastic balls that have been most likely been spat/pissed/pooped/sicked on by numerous other children. Parents sit chatting with their Mum friends whilst watching their child lovingly dive face first into this large cess pit of plastic before attempting to eat the red ball that seconds earlier had been retrieved from the inside of little Johnny’s nappy. That will end well.

Shake a strangers hand 

We all know that pre-COVID many people would fail to wash their hands when they went the loo yet British pleasantries dictate than when meeting a complete stranger for the first time, you should vigorously shake their hand, with absolutely zero knowledge of their standards of personal hygeine. Take your average interview. Not only did we shake sweaty hands with that potentially piss covered palm, but then sit for an hour with our germy hand, repeatedly mopping it against our anxious brow. That will end well.

Finger Buffets 

We all have that one family member who cant just pick out a chip, but has to rummage around for the best choice of chip before committing to their decision . At a buffet, chances are you’re sharing with lots of other Auntie Hildas who like to do exactly the same. So that chip you’ve just eaten? Previously fingered by another 6 germ riddled thumbs – and there’s a phrase I never thought I’d write on a parenting blog. Not so yummy now.

What other things did you do pre-COVID that feel completely alien now? 

 

 

 

 

 

Could you wave goodbye to Facebook?

Could you wave goodbye to Facebook?

It’s hard to believe that the social media giant could have a fall from grace, but with #deletefacebook trending over recent weeks, I began to ask myself, could I, or would I, ever be able to truly say goodbye to Facebook?

In case you missed it, or in case you couldn’t get your head around the mess that is the Facebook data scandal – here’s what’s been occuring.

  • It was revealed that a company called Cambridge Analytica had managed to get hold of the personal data from 50 million Facebook profiles.
  • An app by a professor called Aleksandr Kogan was created as a ‘fun personality assessment’, but the data and answers to questions provided were sold on to Cambridge Analytica, and used to map out voter behaviour in 2016, both on opinions towards Brexit, and on the US presidential campaign.
  • The app was voluntarily downloaded by around 270,000 people, but the app also gained access to the details of the user’s friends, none of whom had given consent for their data to be captured.
  • The data scandal was exposed via a whistleblower who sold their story to the Guardian.
  • Facebook are denying that this is a data breach, stating that the app picked up information in a legitimate way, however they admit that their rules were violated when the data was sold on.
  • Facebook is now known to have been aware of the problem since 2015, but done nothing to protect users other than asking the recipients to delete it.
  • People are now questioning what if anything they should put on Facebook and whether their data is safe.

Light night Mark Zuckerberg faced a host of tough questions, with many answers left unclear, and an apology, that Facebook, in effect, has let us down.

First things first, I should say here, that as a blogger, and an avid user of Facebook and Instagram (owned by Facebook), a lot of my data is pretty public, and I have been on Facebook for over 10 years.

Whilst I use it as a medium for my blog, my personal use has definitely declined over recent years.

Facebook has been with me through a lot – everything from my first ever Facebook status – “What’s all this about then?” to break ups, make ups, meet ups, pregnancies, births and deaths. Some of the happiest and most painful moments of my life have been shared with friends on this medium. 1000s of happy memories, photos that make me beam with joy, and days that I will look back on with nothing but smiles.

The idea of keeping in touch with friends who would otherwise drift out of my life was too much of a pull. I love seeing their photos, their updates, their holidays and weddings.

Except Facebook tried to get clever, and now? … I don’t see any of that at all.

For me, Facebook is no longer fit for purpose. 

Last week someone I went to school with gave birth. I didn’t even know she was pregnant. She had put updates on Facebook, but I hadn’t seen them, despite following her and being ‘friends’ with her on FB since 2011. Facebook for some reason assumed they knew better than me about the kind of content I would find interesting, and prioritised a viral video of a puppies on a slide, or an article informing me that smelling my partners farts is healthy (yes really) over my school friends pregnancy announcement. Because YES facebook – this is more important than someone bringing another human being into the world.

I rarely update my Facebook status these days, with the exception of some photos of the girls for my family who live far away.

If it wasn’t for the blog, I ask myself, would I even want to use Facebook at all??

With these latest revelations and more and more people wondering whether their data is safe, more and more people will be deleting Facebook, meaning more and more of my posts went get read via this source. Facebook has gone from being one of my biggest referrers to one of my smallest.

However, I like to think that some of my posts help some of you – whether it be knowing youre not the only sleep deprived soul, whether it’s someone who had a difficult c-section recovery, someone who’s child doesn’t eat, or someone who’s just starting a fitness journey, I hope the posts that I share on Facebook do have some interest and reach those who will actually enjoy them.

But as for being a social Media channel for the future??? Who knows.

What are your thoughts on Facebook?

 

RECALL – Mars / Galaxy Products

RECALL – Mars / Galaxy Products

Mars have issued a voluntary RECALL notice on certain types of their Mars and Galaxy products due to a potential risk of salmonella – which can cause stomach cramps, sickness and diarrhoea.

If you have any of the items listed below, you should NOT consume them, but keep the product and contact the customer care team for a full refund.

In order of: Brand and Product, Product ID, batch best before, description code, code date, market

Galaxy Milk 200g Bar AC76R 719G1SLO00 06.05.2018 UK 719G2SLO00 06.05.2018 UK 720A2SLO00 13.05.2018 UK 720B1SLO00 13.05.2018 UK

Galaxy Milk 4x42g Multipack Bars AF67D 719G1SLO00 06.05.2018 UK 719G2SLO00 06.05.2018 UK

Galaxy Milk 42g Bar AN22R 719G2SLO00 06.05.2018 UK

Galaxy Counters 78g Treat Bag AW99N 719G2SLO00 06.05.2018 UK

Galaxy Counters 112g Pouch AW99G 720B1SLO00 13.05.2018 Ireland 720C1SLO00 13.05.2018 Ireland

Maltesers Teasers 35g Bar AX46E 720C1SLO00 13.05.2018 UK & Ireland 720D2SLO00 13.05.2018 UK

Galaxy Minstrels 118g Pouch (Sweet Nights In promotion) BJ30K 720B1SLO00 13.05.2018 UK ISSUE

Election Time = My Social Media Hibernation

Election Time = My Social Media Hibernation

Unless you have been living in a bubble over the last few weeks, you cannot have failed to remember that tomorrow is election day, and due to the events of recent weeks and months, it is set to be one of the biggest election nights in history. Whilst I do not class myself at all as politically minded, nor will I share an opinion on who people should vote for, I am strongly of the believe that everybody should vote. Our ancestors fought for our rights to vote, and as such, we owe it to them to do so.

However, there is one thing that I hate about the run up to an election.

For me, between now and Friday morning, I will be entering a period of social media hibernation. (Or at least I will try, I am a blogger after all).

Why?

The Judgements. The Abuse. The Hurling of Insults. The Belittling of the Opposition.

ENOUGH ALREADY.

As someone who works in HR by day, I will always defend to the hilt everyone’s right to individual differences. People are entitled to their own views, their own beliefs, and to form their own, hopefully educated, views on what is best for our country.

Just because someone does not have the same beliefs as you, does not mean they are wrong, or stupid, or misguided.

By all means, share your thought process, discuss and debate manifestos, clarify understanding, and ask the opinions of your friends. But if your sole intention when doing so is to argue and railroad others in an attempt to make them change their view then PLEASE, just stop.

My view? We are making decisions based on manifestos which inevitably will contain some over exaggerated claims and promises by every party in contention. In my opinion that has always appeared to be the case, regardless of the party in power.

We are also dealing with one of the most challenging times our nation has experienced in many many years, I would say in my lifetime at least. There is no rule book for this, no immediate solution, and as such, we have to hope and pray that whoever ends up leading our country, does so in a way that guides us through with as little fallout as possible.

In the last few days alone, I have stepped away from my personal social media feed due to people I consider to be friends attempting to ram their thoughts down other peoples throats, criticise the opposition, and resort to name calling and judging, even going so far as to suggest racism or idiocy down to their party of choice.

Since when did it become a requirement that everyone has to agree? Surely the whole point of a democracy is that everyone has their own opinion?

One of my closest friends and I voted differently in the referendum. We will no doubt, vote differently tomorrow. Will it affect our friendship? No. Will I make nasty comments about her behind her back or expect her to do so about me? No.

We are all individuals, and we are all entitled to our vote.

If you are still undecided with your vote, I can completely empathise, and I hope you find some clarity overnight. Whichever way you chose to vote tomorrow, please please please make your vote.

And as for the kids? Well they’re just happy they get a day off school. Oh to have the responsibilities of a child! 🙂

 

 

 

Tackling the Topic of Terrorism with your Children

Tackling the Topic of Terrorism with your Children

In the light of the awful news from Manchester yesterday, many parents across the UK will be deliberating about how to explain the events to their children without eliciting further fear and panic.

Thankfully, at 4, Erin is too young to really understand. A friend however, messaged me this morning to say that her girls were notably upset after reading the news on a Newsround app, despite this being an age appropriate version of events.

In describing their reaction, she mentioned a whole heaps of emotions, including tears and upset, panic that Ariana Grande had been hurt, followed by fear of not wanting to go to a concert of visit Manchester again and struggling to understand why someone would want to do such a terrible thing. Her children also wanted to stay at home today, clearly feeling anxious about leaving their Mum.

Where do we even begin to start explaining Terrorism to our children? Should we tackle the subject at all?

I spoke to some fellow bloggers about their thoughts.

Some, like me, weren’t even sure where to start…

“How do I even begin to discuss this with a 5 and 7 year old?” Mum Diaries

“I couldn’t put into words what had happened and explain why people do something like that. I want to keep them in their innocent bubble as long as possible” – We Made This Life

Ensure News is Age Appropriate

Avoid watching mainstream news whilst the children are around. Even with a slight delay, live news is volatile. Thrifty Mum

Whilst the event and the atrocities cant be changed, the way in which it is described to your children can be filtered. CBBC Newsround have published their article this morning, which was very quick to focus on the help that was offered on the day. They also have an advice page for children who may be upset by the news, explaining that upsetting events often make the news because they don’t happen very often

Talk about it and let them ask questions

If they’re likely to hear about it on TV/Online/In the Playground it is much better to be open with them and let them ask questions. Be honest but focus on the positives of what people do.

An age appropriate explanation is ideal, as you can’t hide children from it and let them think we live in this flowery perfect world. – Living with a Jude

It’s better to give them the facts than let their imagination run away with them.  You also can’t control what they hear in the playground – after the London attacks my daughter was full of a version of events she’d been told by another boy in her class – most of it was not only wrong, but highly exaggerated. – Crummy Mummy

I have no idea if I have told them the ‘right’ things or not but decided that it needed to come from me and not school. My Mummies Pennies

Acknowledge their feelings

Let them validate their concerns, and express how it has made them feel – Emma and 3

Focus on the Good

Remind our children that despite their being the odd person in the world who will do bad things, the majority of the world is good.

“Count the number of helpers you can see on screen – put into persecptive that the number of people who do good in the world far outweigh the number who do bad things” – Thrifty Mum

Focus on the number of ambulances and emergency services that helped, the #roomformanchester and the Holiday inn looking after the children. Teach them about all the good people involved – the doctors, the firefighters, the ambulance service and the police, and all the amazing things that they do.

I will be telling my boys to always look for the helpers as love always trumps hate – Tots and Tantrums

Balance Reality with Reassurance and remember that children don’t tend to analyse the news in the same way as adults – Falcon de le Life

Focus on how to keep them safe

My children are 6 and 7 and we talked about the importance of emergency exits and finding a parent or grown up in a scary situation – Kelly Allen Writer

We spoke about being vigiliant and where my phone number is in her school bag just in case and what to do in an emergency – Crazy Mamma

I have given my children tips on what to do – e.g. don’t panic, go to a policeman or another adult if get separated. They have memorised my phone number too. Jacintaz3

Focus on the fact it’s rare

I think it’s important to talk about how the people doing things like this are far from ‘normal’ – Edinburgh With Kids

Remind them that it is news because it is extremely rare and very unlikely to happen. Mama Mei

Cuddles

Remember that just because you child isn’t talking about it, does not mean that they aren’t worrying about it internally. When I was a child I remember worrying so much after world war 3 that I barely slept. Hold them close and give them extra cuddles in case they are feeling a little vulnerable.

Other resources you may find useful:

Newsround Article

Explaining Terrorism to Children

Nasponline – tips for parents and educators

 

Napercise – Sleeping at the gym

Napercise – Sleeping at the gym

I have made no secret of the fact that I get very little sleep.

I thought that my first born was bad, but I appear to have met her match, in that I know am the proud owner of not one, but two adorable yet lethally talented sleep ninjas. Two children who, given the choice, would stay awake and stare at my face, ALL NIGHT LONG.

I am exhausted. My skin is grey, my hair is dull and my motivation for exercise has gone right out the window. We quit the gym as a family in January (just as most people join!), because we weren’t going enough and the costs just weren’t feasible. Today however, I read about something that made me wish I hadn’t.

Napercise classes. Yes you read that right.

Napercise is a 45 minute, blissfully uninterrupted sleep. No babies waking you for milk, no one stealing your sheets and nobody waking you from your fabulous Tom Hardy dream to “tell you a secret”.

For me, this sounds like perfection.

If today was April 1st, I would be passing this off as an April Fool. However it appears this is actually genuine.

David Lloyd in Sidcup is running its first 45 minute Napersize class this weekend, swapping spin bikes for comfy beds and allowing members to curl up and drift off in a room specifically tailored to encourage quality sleep – think atmospheric sounds, dimmed lighting, and a temperature dropped to a level that encourages calorie burning during sleep.

If successful, these Napercise classes would be rolled out across the country, and are anticipated to bring health benefits such as alertness, reduced stress & anxiety and enhanced moods,

But my questions are these…

How much would we actually pay for a good nights sleep? Is it worth a monthly membership fee?

Will snorers be kicked out of a Napercise class? Trust me, I sleep next to one every night of my life, I don’t fancy attempting an afternoon nap in a room full of them.

Do you bring your PJs? A cup of Horlicks? Your favourite Teddy? Where do you draw the line?

Whilst I would LOVE the idea of 45 minutes kip to stop me from looking like an extra from the walking dead, I somehow can’t see this working in reality. That said, I would be VERY happy to be proven wrong, and would be MORE than happy to volunteer to review the napercise classes if David Lloyd wanted to invite me along!!

Would you sleep at the gym?

What are your thoughts on this initiative?

*Photo credit – David Lloyd Clubs