I’m very fortunate that three of my kids went back to school this week, even though they only went for the mornings, it was a relief not to have to educate them myself! I don’t know if any of you have had to homeschool but I have found it really challenging. I love my kids! They are great fun. Except when I’m their teacher! Apparently at school they’re beautifully behaved! I saw moments of this but had more moments of frustration. In this third lockdown, I have found a solution. To be a lot more laid back about it all!

Whether they have learnt during this lockdown I don’t know but the reality is that they will catch up at some point. My youngest two have loved being at home and I think they would love to always be at home. I love listening to them play. They make up all kinds of games and spend most of their time laughing. I want to learn to be more like them. To find joy in the small things. Finding sticks, whizzing down the slide and following tracks on the pavement.

At what age do we lose that wonder and joy at the small things. I see my 14 year old joining in with the fun but I know if there was anyone around his age he would be embarrassed. Why is that? Do we have to be serious because the world is a serious place? Are we afraid of joy and of being disappointed? I think if we can learn to laugh at the small things the big things won’t feel so big. Or are we like my teenage son and allowing others to rob our joy, either through comparison or fear of looking silly.

My plan this week, as my kids are back in school, is to find a way to find the joy in the small things. Will you join me?