The world through the eyes of children

19/03/2020

On Friday, March 13, Spain declared a national state of emergency, meaning the national government was allowed to override regional governments to take whatever measures it considered appropriate to stop the spread of coronavirus. This came alongside the notice of schools, bars, shops gyms, restaurants, cinemas, events and theaters closing effective Saturday, March 14 throughout the whole of Spain..

As lock down in the UK is now getting closer and closer with schools soon to be closed I wanted to tell you what it's like to be on lock down as the people I know on social media are talking about it alot..

I live in Spain
We are on day 5 of lock down and not being able to leave the house unles it's for a justified reason... we can be fined anywhere between €600-€60,000 or recive up to 1 year in prison for not obiding by the rules of the lock down.

Police are patrolling our streets regularly.

You cannot go anywhere together in twos here in spain. Only one person is allowed out at a time.. There are special exemptions if say you are a single parent who need to take your children with you, or if you need to go to the hospital and are incapable of taking yourself. But other than that here in Spain if you are seen with more than one person in your car you will need to justify this and possibly get a fine if the reason isnt justified.

Supermarkets will remain open. Here in Spain the hours are as normal, a smaller shop in our local area is also open (we live 30 minutes from a big supermarket) so relax. No need to buy the whole shelf of food. You will be able to leave the house to shop. Also if you see someone with 3 loafs of bread remember these people may well be buying food for elderly loved ones who must stay at home for their own saftey so dont start a war over bread and milk. Just concentrate on yourself 👌 all I see on my friends newsfeeds is empty supermarket shelves and statuses about food🤦‍♀️ I live on a tiny island where food needs to be delivered by boat from the main land daily and we are surviving. There are still daily deliveries of food. Do not panic buy. You are not going to starve!!!

We are allowed to go to the doctors but must have an appointment. We are also allowed to go to the pharmacy to collect medical supplies, go to the bank and petrol stations

If we have dogs we are allowed to take them for a walk but we must walk alone.

Your can leave your home also to look after disabled, elderly and children

People who are still able to work can go out to work, here the workers who are still able are council workers, bus drivers, doctors & nurses and any other hospital staff including receptionists and cleaners. Pharmacists. Supermarket workers and delivery drivers. I also hear some construction workers are still going out to work where necessary...

At the moment here in Spain we are getting no help financially but we hear we will maybe get help with gas, electricity, and water..🤞

I'm almost sure that England will not imply the same strict rules as Spain and other countries because of the way it is over there. But these rules have been put in place for us to keep safe and to try to stop the spread of infection so please follow guidelines and rules and if you are elderly or have any underlying issues please just stay at home, it isnt worththe risk. If something isnt done soon coronavirus will carry on spreading rapidly.

Here in ibiza we have 10 cases. 4 in hospital 1 critical and 6 at home. With the island being so small we will not be able to cope with a rapid spread so I am very happy to have these rules in place to keep us safe..

I wanted to just share with you guys where we are at right now to give you a little idea.

I am very happy with how our government are dealing with this problem 🇪🇸❤

For me it is very important to keep busy, and keep up with self care. Not just lounging around in pjs staring at a screen all day, this isnt good for you or your mental health. Get up. get dressed. Start a new hobby. For me focusing on the children and keeping them in a routine throughout the day is great. I have received some homeschooling ideas from a few friends which I'm going to attach in my comments as this could be super helpful for you guys in the UK now school closure draws nearer. Most importantly support each other in this time and look after yourselves ❤

12/02/2020

Please read our story, any help or shares our family recive is truly appreciated ❤

Chloe May Help us to get our family home Our story.. we came travelling/backpacking at the beginning of January before the threat of 'Coronavirus' we are a fa

07/12/2019

We finally booked our 2 month trip for January 2020... can anyone guess the countrys we are going.. ✈🧳🌏🌋🏖🏝

11/09/2019

As you start your first day with your teacher in your school just know that mummys thinking of you and isn't keeping her cool.

I know that mummy needs to let you go and grow now my boy and girl but it only seems a minute ago when I first held you in my arms, you was the cutest little boy and prettiest little girl i had ever have seen before

Now you are big and brave and strong and ready to make new friends.

Your waving me goodbye now and I know you will enjoy your day and i just pray that the hours fly by

Deep down mummys hurting that her babies are all grown your both at school now little ones and mummy just cannot see how the hours and years have flown

I know it wont be long until your home again with me but you seem so small to be at school especially you my princess you have only just turned 3

I’m no longer the only one to catch you when you fall and hurt your knee

I hope your teacher is kind, I hope she sees you when you cry and wipes the tears from your eyes

I hope she sees you like I do and is super calm and kind and patient with your English language, I hope she understands

Now the day has arrived and in your new clothes this morning you looked so big and steady but now beside your great big school I'm not so sure your ready

Will you help them find their drink and show them where things are?

Are you quick to sooth their fears will you catch them when they fall?

If they fall and hurt themselves please cuddle them for me because that's my baby there you see and they mean the world to me.

My boy your 4 and this is your second year now and your so much more confident this time than you ever was before, you gave your new teacher a hug and waved me goodbye and of you went without no fear for your new adventurus school year

For indi this is one of the first times you have ever been away from us your mummy and your daddy I hope your days ok..

what if no-one plays with her because they dont quite understand please help her learn her Spanish and help her understand

What if someone’s mean to her please tell them to be kind, please take care of my baby and please hold her hand and help her step in line

I know it’s time to share her.. just a little bit

To help her learn to let her grow I know now It’s time for her to go

shes ready to make friends i’m sure she will learn so much from you things that I don't understand or things I cannot do

Im sure she will settle quickly that she’s fine now without me

I know they have to go to school but I will miss my little girl and boy and I will miss their joys and even tripping over there 100s of toys

I will count every hour until I'm reunited with you both

My girl please dont be worried your brother will look out for you hes only a class room away, you can play with him outside on the slide and you will see him throughout the day

I'm sure if your upset without me the teacher will figure it out I will let you go and grow now my 2 beautiful butterflys

Mummy loves you all the world and more and I am so extremely proud ❤

09/09/2019

SWIMMING 🏊‍♀️🏊‍♂️🇨🇭

Many toddlers including mine are very curious and active and eager to explore their surroundings, they are attracted to water as it is fun it makes waves it splashes it makes muddy puddles to jump in and can even make things float!
Not all children understand that water can be very dangerous so it's essential to protect them from water hazards where you live and where you visit and make sure you educate your babies on water safety and make them aware of the dangers as soon as their old enough to understand.
Learning to swim should be a priority for every family. It is an important life skill that can play a key role in helping to prevent drowning which is a top cause of death among children. A child can drown in as little as an inch of water and this is a fact that has always scared me so much..

I have a 4 year old and just turned 3 year old both swimming now unaided, I'm so so proud of them both! As soon as my babies were born they was in the water and they have both always loved the water, Billy always being the more confident of the two, he learnt to swim first using a snorkel as getting his head up to take breaths was difficult for him as he was only small and then while holidaying in Cambodia he just cracked it without the snorkel he was 3 years old.
Indi, just a few weeks after her 3rd birthday asked me to take her arm bands off so we gave it a go and just like that she swam!
For me learning your little ones how to swim and about water safety should be a top priority before anything else, yes your children may like other activities like football or dance class which is great to do as well as, but for me swimming should be top of the list as you never know when your children may face danger and need them swimming skills.
It can be Swimming lessons or teaching your children yourself by taking them to the pool once a week but that's as long as you feel confident enough in the water yourself to learn your children to swim if not it's best to go to a professional swim instructor.
Both of my children are self taught and my little boy is better in the water than most of the 'big' kids he meets at the swimming pool, everyone always comments on how good and confident he is in the water
We are very lucky as we live in ibiza and have the sea and a swimming pool on our doorstep so the children have access to learn to swim throughout the summer but this is also one of the main reasons it was essential for me to teach them both how to swim and about water safety as soon as possible and even before this when we spent a short time in the UK I took Billy to swimming lessons shortly after he was 1 years old.
It's never to early to take your babies swimming and get them used to being in the water.

STATISTICS
Spain
Hundreds of people die here in Spain from drowning in the sea, swimming pools and lakes. In 2017 alone, 480 people lost their lives, many of them young children on holiday with their families.
Uk
More than 400 people drown in the UK every year and thousands more suffer near-drowning experiences. One person dies as a result of drowning an average of every 20 hours in the UK and Ireland. Drowning is the third highest cause of death in children in the UK.

make learning your children to swim top priority! 🏊‍♂️🏊‍♀️🇨🇭❤

03/08/2019

So being world breastfeeding week I wanted to post my journey, finding out I was pregnant with Billy was the most amazing feeling in the world I always wanted to be a mummy! I was made for motherhood, it was a totally unplanned pregnancy but very much wanted, everyone's first question.. are you going to feed the baby.. well ye of course I'm gonna feed him right, but bottle or breast is something I'd never even thought about, I'd never been encouraged to breastfeed because my mum and none of my close family had done it so even though I was uneducated about the benifits at the time I was always going to feed them my self, to me it's the most natural thing in the world, both my babies came out the womb and straight away was rooting and suckling for milk they just know what to do and I was amazed by that! My journey was hard to start but after a few days my milk was very much in I woke up and my t-shirt was drenched I never even knew to buy breast pads as breastfeeding was never spoken about in any of my midwife appointments in Spain so I literally knew nothing, there was pictures all over the walls of breastfeeding mothers but never once was it mentioned in appointments, I had no clue what to do and zero support but it just came naturally to me from day 1, I fed Billy for 15 months he then self weened, at the time I was 8 months pregnant with Indi and my milk was changing and he just didn't like it anymore and then it hit me I didn't even know it was our last feed until he refused the next one ..wow that was very emotional but i was very proud of my self for feeding him for so long, then came Indi, our journey was alot harder to start she had reflux and cried everytime I put her down, with a lively 17 month old that time was a struggle but not once did I think to give up, it lasted a long 12 weeks but we made it and she went on to feed until 2 and a half years, what an achievement I never really planned to feed as long as I did but we was both content and I decided on the self wean route, there are a lot of people in my shoes who dont really know much about breastfeeding and have no encouragement and little support, my advice would be to try it if at all possible, it's one of the greatest gifts you can give your child and the benefits to both you and baby are amazing, I am really proud of my self and the start I have given both of my babies is incredible ♥️ to all you breastfeeding mamas out there well done and to anyone seeking advice I am happy to help anyone unsure and answer any questions you may have, I know at times it is hard work but wow it's worth it and the benefits and bond you and your child get from it is amazing 🤱

28/07/2019

Dont ever be afraid of being different, be afraid of being the same as everyone else! Always be yourself my boy, as I watch you grow into your own little character you make me so so proud, dont ever let anyone tell you to be anything other than yourself! sometimes it can be very hard to be yourself, So many times I hear people say your a boy you should like football, your favourite colour should be blue you should like all things for boys but these are the people with closed minds! You have your own choice in life and your own little mind so the world is yours, your love for dancing around the living room makes me smile every day and you love listening to queen and Michael Jackson it sometimes makes me think you where born in the wrong year, you make me so happy, I love you Billy Rocco ❤

09/05/2019

While mummys are busy hinching the children are flinching, they want to play in the living room but mummy's busy with her broom. They want to play tag but mummy's got her rag, mummys putting toys out of reach.. she does the same with her bleach.

They want to play with their favourite toys but God forbid they make to much noise! They would love to build a wooden castle but oh no that's to much hassle!

These mummies want the perfect home leaving the children watching TV alone! Children want to tip boxes upside down without seeing mummys frown!

Let your children play, let them make a mess, tidying up can wait even if it means you have to stay up late.

Let them paint and craft and stop being daft! Your children want your attention not a show home and a Instagram mention.

One day your babies will be grown up and left home and you will regret leaving them playing alone, you will long for one more day of noise and chasing after your girls and boys.

Singing playing and dancing will not last it will soon be in the distant past! Open the playroom doors and forget about the chors

Stop the cleaning it doesn't matter if your windows arnt gleaming, hinchings pinching time with your precious babies and that won't do ❤️

27/04/2019

Iv been so busy that I haven't posted for a while so here's my post from returning from our travels with some of our pictures, we have so many stories to tell and we made so many memories as a family. The times of our life's! 85 days, 7 countries, 5 planes, 5 trains, countless bus journeys and mrt's! hostels, hotels, homestays, and even a dorm stay, sunkissed skin, everyday has been an adventure! The first time taking our babies traveling and it was an absolute success, they have loved every second, the locals have loved the children in each and every country we have traveled through, they have encountered 24 hour bus journeys from one country to another and smashed them like a walk in the park! So proud of how they adapted to different cultures and climates, nothing has phased them! South East Asia you have our hearts, it's was a blast! Now we are back to Ibiza and back to work to save up for our next adventure! Peace and love ❤️ ❤️

30/01/2019

Keeping the kids entertained while backpacking can sometimes be challenging especially around points of interest, apparently looking around big temples and looking at giant golden buddhas are only fun for the first 5 minutes and don't even get me started on going for a walk unless they are picked up after 10 minutes so here's how we manage to juggle fun and culture! We found a motorbike to be the best way of getting around.. less walking and more site seeing, and the kids absolutely love being on the bike! result! All the locals ride 4 or more on a motorbike here and it is totally legal and not once did we feel it to be unsafe so all safety helmets on and we was off! The beach is the best way to keep them happy in between culture and site seeing they love nothing more than playing in the sand and running in and out of the sea and the beach's here always seem to have rope swings and swings which they love! A swimming pool / splash park is also a winner for the kids! They also love the adventure of the waterfalls and and having to rock climb to reach them! A quick drink in a bar for us means meeting an animal for them! Win win! The bars all seem to have animals in that the kids come to love! The city's was tiering but we always broke the day up with a park or splash park, they even got to go in a play centre while exploring the cities. Full moon party was also a winner, and we got to party too! The kids got glow in the dark bracelets and glow in the dark paintings done by a woman on the beach and danced the night away on the sand before falling to sleep in the buggy (the best investment we got for traveling)! The kids also love playing with other local children that we meet everyday on our travels. Best till last... They love to meet the wild animals and insects we come across and especially the monkeys and elephants they are a favourite and we get to see these all the time in the Jungle for free they also love looking at all the different plants and flowers here and love spotting out the coconut and banana trees while we are out and about! 🥰❤️☀️🌴🐒🐘🌊

21/01/2019

So after being in southeast Asia traveling while it being my boys 4th birthday I want to put out there that a few presents on the park makes him just as happy if not more happy as a room full of presents, children need love and attention alot more that materialism, he loved his presents he got and actually played with them all rather than being overwhelmed by a room full of presents and his less favourites getting pushed aside and not played with until days after, instead we spent the extra money spending valuable time together as a family and taking him on a amazing day out to universal studios and made family memories to last forever ❤️

16/01/2019

City's are fun for us too🎒🌇🌃

We had lots of fun in Bangkok exploring, we seen lots of cool things, played on parks for a escape from the busy city of Bangkok the parks and green areas were amazing! We road in our first tuk tuk and loved it! We road river boats and padlowboats, seen giant lizards (monitor lizards) in the park, fed fish and birds, road trains and ate yummy cocoanut Ice-cream, we met other local children who we loved to play with, visited famous landmarks where we loved the animals made of stone, we was blessed by a budder in a cool temple and everyone loved us and wanted to take our pictures! Everyone thinks we are twins 👧🧒🇹🇭

We also had lots of fun in Malaysias city of Kuala Lumpur, here we seen the big patronas towers which were cool as we loved playing in the water fountains and at the back side of the towers there was a cool park and a lido where we spent hours! Here we got to eat spaghetti Bolognese.. We have been missing our normal foods so have been really happy to eat pastas most nights! Billy also learnt how to use chopsticks here, we visited the Batu caves where we seen so many monkeys! we watched them for hours and fed them our crisps, another favourite has been the botanical gardens there was lots to do for us and we got a lot of freedom to run around away from the busy city, there was parks, waterfalls and lots of wild life to look for 🇲🇾🎒