Americans are celebrating Thanksgiving today, which got me thinking about all the things that parents must have become especially thankful for during the madness that is the Coronavirus lockdown. 

No one has had it easy since Covid started, especially not anyone with children. Because having to endure hours of online learning, homework and fun activities 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for months on end, is frankly enough to drive anyone cray. 

It’s okay to be confined to a small space with your kids all day long when you’re on some gorgeous getaway, but certainly not when you’re at home and with a list of responsibilities as long as your arm.

Today, I’m feeling thankful for my family, technology and chocolate! But these are the things that I imagine mums and dads have been particularly grateful for since the lockdown graced us with its presence. 

1. Aunts/uncles/grandparents/anyone who can look after the baby so mum can have a quick shower!

2. Having a job to continue providing for the family while dozens of businesses have been crashing and millions of people have been made redundant. 

3. Being able to work from home and spend time/bond with their newborn baby, especially if their job formerly required them to be away on business or from home for long hours.

4. Home - having a roof over your head, a cosy place to feel safe in and to be surrounded by people who love you. 

5. Teachers who are committed to doing a great job of making online learning fun and effective.

6. The doctors and nurses who are saving lives and keeping us safe.

7. Technology - all the inventions that make life easier, whether it’s online delivery, iPads or the Internet. 

8. Tea/coffee/stronger stuff - sometimes all you need is a nice cup of (insert your fave beverage here) to wind down and block out the chaos around you.

9. Appreciating nature and just how much it uplifts one’s mood; it’s all in the simple things.

10. And most importantly, waking up to spend another day with their beloved children because the world we currently live in is scary and unpredictable. As my sister, Sarah, told her baby today: “Thank you for choosing me to be your mama; you could have been anyone’s baby, but you’re mine.” <3