Surviving Lockdown with kids 101

It seems obvious, but a set routine has allowed us to effectively manage our time and stay sane. I give Vlad a bath in the evenings so that I don’t have to do it in the cold morning, and I can just change him from his PJs into his day clothes AKA the essential toddler uniform. It just removes the guesswork of whether to dress him in dungarees, jeans, a onesie, trackpants or joggers every day, and saves us so much time. 

 

SHOP TODDLER FASHION

Meal preparation is also a great way to stay ahead. I like to stock up on food like mini quiches that can be prepared in bulk. Woolies’ small portion, pre-packed bran muffins, flapjacks, yoghurt and fruit are absolute time-savers for busy parents, and great for little ones. Here’s a basket already pre-packed for you.

When it comes to dinner, it has to be easy, and something I can make in a flash. Ready-made meals and snacks to the rescue! I always take advantage of the “Eat in for under R200” meals that allow me more time to spend with Vlad. They take away the pressure of thinking about dinner. Lasagna and soups are also my go-to’s. Just heat and serve. Done!

To keep safe, we’re not going anywhere as a family, but I know I need to look decent while running errands. This is my guilty pleasure; my little gift to myself: Loungewear in stain-friendly colours (we all know how important that is with a toddler around) – Charcoal Grey, Olive Green, Tobacco, Black. I stocked up on these at the Quality Sale. Being comfortable also helps me get things done so I live in my fleece hoodie, joggers and my messy “mom” bun. And when it’s time to pick up Vlad, or go to a quick meeting, I can simply add a scarf and blazer, denim jacket or coat to instantly elevate my outfit. You can even keep the sweat shirt, and switch out your jogger for jeans and boots, or a flared skirt, if you have time.

Vlad spends his days bundled up in cosy fleece jogger sets that I layer over long-sleeve cotton tees. With sets, there is no need to spend time mixing and matching. You’re good to go in seconds. And they’re made from sustainably sourced, BCI Cotton. Easy for me to dress him in and easy on the planet.
 

Toddlers are munchers; they need to be fed and stimulated pretty much all day. I love Woolies’ small portion fruits, snacks, and vegetables. My son will gladly snack on broccoli and green beans, so the microwave-ready small packs are my definite faves. He also LOVES the chicken frikkadels (read on to find out how you can turn this simple snack into a full family meal in a flash) and chipolatas, so I make sure to always have those in the fridge. These are better than snacks loaded with sugar, quick and convenient, and his little hands can just grab them. 

As Cindy, Woolworths’ resident dietician says, “A ‘better for you’ snack provides fullness and nutrition that bridges one meal to the next, and should aim to include a variety of nutritious options such as whole fresh veg or fruit, whole grains, good fats like avo, nuts or seeds, or dairy like yoghurt or cheese, while being mindful of appropriate portion sizes for little tummies, and keeping an eye on salt and sugar intake.”

Spruce it up with sauces for an adult-friendly meal or party snack.

I’m not going to lie, keeping up with Vlad has not been easy. He requires our full attention, and he doesn't care whether we have to catch up on emails; his time is his time. So, if we are not building a tower with his wooden blocks, you will definitely catch us in concert. Musical instruments are his favourite toys, so we have impromptu dance sessions to help tire him out before his nap. If all else fails, there’s always Coco Melon, lol. Need more inspo on super-fun activities kids will love? Here are 8 more. 

And how does mommy survive? I read my novels out loud to him, it’s bonding time but also my “me” time. I also reward myself with a glass of red wine (make sure you sign up for Woolies W Cellar for vouchers and discounts) and dark chocolate with dad over a K-drama episode on the nights that he goes to bed early.

Self-care is not the easiest with a toddler, but I refuse to neglect myself because I can take care of my family best when I’m at my best. I make time for exercise, I go to gym when possible, go for a run in the neighbourhood or do a YouTube workout just to get the body moving. I also love a DIY facial when I can’t go to the spa, using sheet masks, lip scrubs and all the serums I can layer. I also don’t negotiate my hair and nail appointments, because when mommy looks good, she feels good.

There’s an art to whipping up a quick and delicious meal, especially one kids will eat too. We are a pasta-loving family, especially bolognaise, but who has time to make meatballs from scratch? So, here’s my lip-smacking, time-saver Spaghetti and Meatballs recipe:

 

Ingredients:

• Ready-made chicken frikkadels x2 (you can use falafel)
• Woolworths sun-dried tomato pesto
• Cherry tomatoes
• Chopped onions
• 2 tbsp chopped garlic
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Any pasta or noodles of your choice, you can use pre-packed to save time

Method:

1. Heat up the frikkadels in the air fryer for 10 minutes, while you prepare the sauce.
2. Fry onions and garlic in olive oil.
3. Add cherry tomatoes and cook until soft.
4. Add the heated frikkadels and stir.
5. Add 3 tablespoons of the sun-dried tomato pesto, and salt and pepper to taste.
6. Cook and drain the pasta and scoop about 2 tablespoons of the pasta water into the sauce. 
7. Mix the sauce, pasta and frikkadels. Sprinkle with some grated cheese and serve.

Enjoy!

I hope these tips help you survive and cope better with the last (fingers crossed) lockdown of this pandemic.

JOIN LITTLEWORLD