Surviving Lockdown with the Munchies

Gus Munchie: My Lockdown Diary | Illustration © 2020 Tim Warnes

“Whatever the new normal brings, we’ll face it together. That’s what makes us strong.”

— Gus Munchie

I began writing Gus Munchie: My Lockdown Diary at the start of lockdown here in the UK.

As with most things creative, it took me longer than anticipated. So, by the time I was ready to release Gus Munchie online, coronavirus restrictions were easing, and the world was attempting to get ‘back to normal.’ After all my hard work, I was concerned I’d missed my opportunity - that it would be old; that the world was moving on.

But this week, the US coronavirus death toll passed 200,000. Meanwhile, ‘the number of schools in England sending home groups of pupils because of Covid-19 incidents has quadrupled.’ We’re feeling less optimistic - and Gus Munchie: My Lockdown Diary is still, sadly, all-too relevant.

Back in June 2020, the Childhood Trust warned that ‘[c]hildren are developing serious mental health conditions, including post-traumatic stress, because of the coronavirus pandemic’. Parents are left wondering: How am I meant to talk with my kids about what’s going on? (No one wants to add to the fear and worry their kids may already be experiencing.)

So the question is: What can we, the adults, do to support our kids as we move forward? And how can Gus Munchie help?

There’s some excellent articles by the Child Mind Institute - Talking to kids about the Coronavirus Crisis and Supporting Kids During the Coronavirus Crisis.

They helped guide my ideas when writing Gus Munchie. So, using some of their wisdom, let me show you how My Lockdown Diary models good practice and how it can have a positive influence on your kids.

 View conversations that arise around COVID as an opportunity not just to convey the facts but to set the emotional tone.  

“I know all this is hard, Munch,” says Mama. “It’s an emotional roller coaster for us all. But we’ll get through it. Because we’re family.”

…

Then they join in and we have a great, big, cuddle sandwich, right there on my bed.

 Take your cues from your child. Invite them to share what they may have heard about the coronavirus, and how it makes them feel.  

Gus Munchie: My Lockdown Diary | Illustration © 2020 Tim Warnes

 

“Whatcha doing, Munch?” asks Mama.

I like it when Mama calls me Munch. It makes me feel all cosy.

I show her my drawing of COVID on its rampage of death.

“Want to talk about it” asks Mama.

 Be reassuring: very few kids are getting sick, and they’re unlikely to catch it. 

“Me no wan’ die!” says Lunchbox. “Me toot ham-ham!”

(I have to admit, Lunchbox is pretty cute.)

“You won’t die, Munchkin,” says Mama.

 Emphasise what you’re doing to stay safe. Reassure kids by reminding them of the precautions that you’re taking. 

‘Kids feel empowered when they know what to do to keep themselves safe.’

 

The doorbell rings. 

Under the circumstances, this is an Exciting Event.

Dad answers it, wearing a paper bag on his head for protection.

 

“Listen, Stinks,” I say, putting my arm around him. “We just have to remember to wash our paws. D’you think you can do that?”

Lunchbox nods. “Uh-huh.” I wipe his sticky, wet cheeks on his Noo-Noo.

Mama gives me one of her sweet smiles and a thumbs up.

 

Gus Munchie: My Lockdown Diary | Illustration © 2020 Tim Warnes

 Make use of technology to help younger kids feel closer to relatives or friends.

‘ It’s not perfect, but it helps us all feel closer and less stressed. ’

 

It’s time to video call Nana and Grampa Tubb….

‘Greetings, Munchies!’ says Grampa. ‘How are you diddling?’

We chat about irrelevant, everyday things - like the weather and Grampa’s beans. It’s good to see them, and almost feels like normal. Until Gramps starts singing:

 ‘We’ll meet again, don’t know where, don’t know when…” 

And then Mama has a little cry. 

 

So yes, there are tender and poignant moments. But the bottom line is, Gus Munchie is entertaining! So, read it to your kids (at home, or, if you’re a teacher, in the classroom ). If a child is confident enough, they can read it by themselves - alone or out loud to you. Either way, you are supporting them with their literacy.

Grandparents: Maybe you are shielding, or find yourself separated by distance or lockdown restrictions, unable to be with children you love. Well, what’s to stop you video chatting with the grandkids every night and reading Gus Munchie (or any story for that matter) at bedtime? Remember: Gus Munchie creates an opportunity to connect emotionally over something much bigger than us all.

 

Gus Munchie: My Lockdown Diary | Illustration © 2020 Tim Warnes

 

Kids worry more when they’re kept in the dark. Gus Munchie is one way to bring those fears and uncertainty into the light.

Snuggle up together. Laugh - or have a moan - together. Maybe even share some tears. By doing so, you will be creating opportunities, as described above, to to create opportunities to talk with your child about the pandemic.

We are navigating uncharted waters. We are all in the same boat - even if we have different responses to coronavirus.

But I think it’s safe to say, we all agree with Daddy Munchie: “Lockdown sucks!” 

 

Gus Munchie: My Lockdown Diary | Illustration © 2020 Tim Warnes

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I’m honoured to announce that I will be a guest on next week’s K11 KULTURE WEBINAR SERIES - a live web dialogue brought to you by K11 MUSEA.












































 

“In this global series, we will bring together renowned cultural experts and professionals from around the world to inspire and empower the next generation of changemakers through the power of culture, creativity social innovation and sustainability, with an aim to build a better post-COVID-19 world together.”

 

(09:00 U.K. time)

Register for the free webinar here !SourcesGUS MUNCHIE: MY LOCKDOWN DIARY BY TIM WARNES (2020)Supporting Kids During the Coronavirus Crisis (Child Mind Institute)Coronavirus: Children 'developing post-traumatic stress' from pandemic (bbc, june 22, 2020)Quadrupling in schools sending pupils home in Covid cases (bbc, september 22, 2020)Covid: US death toll passes 200,000 (bbc, september 23, 2020) Talking to Kids About the Coronavirus Crisis by Rachel Ehmke (Child Mind Institute)