Former actress Sameera Reddy has been trying to keep two very young children aged 5 years and 9 months, respectively, entertained indoors for more than a month during the lockdown.
But now Sameera and her husband Akshai’s nerves are on edge.
Says Sameera, “I have a 9 month and 5 yr old. In fact it’s our son’s birthday soon and we’re making him understand why he can have a party but no friends over. Both my children keep me on my toes and I think the most important thing is to make them feel safe and secure. It is a very unique situation so it’s best to make sure they feel protected. Secondly, would be to get them mentally prepared for the new normal. Things will be different after the lockdown and they should not feel stifled or scared, it’s getting more difficult every day.”
Sameera and her husband are sharing responsibilities towards their children in lockdown. “We are going nuts handling the children, the household work and then I’ve my own work. We are coping as best as we can. But you can imagine how difficult it is to keep two young children engaged indoors 24/7. My little daughter Nyra is just nine months old and she needs my full attention. My son Hans is also coping with his confinement as best as he can. But how are children expected to comprehend the situation? He wants to go out to visit his grandparents. How do we explain to him why he can’t?”
But there is the silver lining.
Says Sameera, “The one good thing that has happened during the lockdown is that we are in this together as a family. My husband is a big help in the house. He works with my son on homeschool plus he has his own work to attend to. My mother-in-law is a rock star. I don’t know what I’d do without her. So yes, we’ve never felt closer as a family. Having said that, I must say it’s such a crazy situation. What to do?”
