While the world is in chaos and our lives have been upturned amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, we all have little rays of light shining through. There may be plenty of things you miss, but hopefully there are a few perks that you are enjoying. Whether it’s more family time, living in PJs all day, or slowing down, we look to the light in the situation. Here, North Shore Mums have shared their COVID-19 silver lining to help us focus on the positive. What’s yours?
More time to ‘smell the roses’
- “The silver lining of staying home is getting to spend more time with my kids. As a full-time worker and a mum of a 3 year old and 5 year old, the mother guilt is pretty strong! Having time to just be, to take walks, do craft and play has been invaluable. I have realised my priorities I guess. Also seeing how my kids love each other and enjoy each otherโs company has been great too – love their imaginary games!!” – Kate, Warrawee
- “The gift of sound. Hearing my children laugh as they play with each other is music to my ears. This sound reminds me to be thankful as we’re safe, healthy and happy.” – Elaine, Pymble
- “My silver lining is seeing my little boy proud he’s mastered going to potty. He washes his hands after and cleans up too! Little man in the making.” – Alex, Wahroonga
- “Hubby is working from home. Miss 2.5 isn’t in daycare. Master 3 months gets snuggles with all four of us, not just Mummy.” – Julia, Berowra Heights
- “Spending time with my boys, to be honest. It came as a bit of a blessing, as my eldest son (15) was really losing his way and spending time with the wrong people. To be able to re-connect and have time to do the simple things, ping pong challenges, board games, home cooked meals, meals together as a family, gotta see the silver lining.” – Klarissa, Belrose
- “Our Covid silver lining has been putting the brakes on our hectic schedule. Weโve discovered so many local gems on our walking/scootering adventures!” – Sarah, North Sydney
- “Life in the slow laneโs been a blessing in disguise. Sure, instead of balayage mineโs greylayage, leg hairs are long enough to be plaited and fancy cocktails long gone โ but the hugs are now unhurried, the sleep-ins are longer, familyโs bonding stronger and weโve never been fitter from โexercisingโ outdoors.” – Mel, Warrawee
- “Staying at home has brought our little family closer than ever before (we exercise, eat, play, enjoy and celebrate small wins together). The fast paced daily routines of life have suddenly been slowed down to a leisurely stroll, and we have all the time to โstop and smell the rosesโ!” – Roopali, Pymble
- “More time with family, understanding aspects of schooling that the children have missed or need assistance with, but for me personally Iโve had more time to Netflix binge watch and sleep in to rid the bags under my eyes.” – Melanie, Hornsby Heights
- “Not stressing about having the house so tidy for visitors as there arenโt any, haha. Enjoying a more stress-free home life because of it.” – Rebecca, Hornsby Heights
- “More homemade meals! I can honestly say that I have been able to make a lot more homemade meals and snacks for my one year old and my husband and I. I have been able to create a little freezer stash of bub’s favourites as well for those hectic days. From fish cakes, meatballs, sausages, lasagne and chicken curry to homemade garlic bread and quiche!” – Charlotte, Cammeray
- “Less pollution, I feel like the air is a lot cleaner.” – Caroline, Turramurra
- “Reconnecting with my almost 7 year old (first born). Weโve both realised how much we have missed each other since he started school. Itโs been divine.” – Suzie, Warrawee
- “JIGSAW PUZZLES – yes you heard right! As a family, we have discovered our love of doing jigsaw puzzles together. We have just completed our first 1000 piece puzzle, which even my four year old โhelpedโ to put together!” – Melissa, Willoughby
- “Iโve never spoken to so many of my neighbours since being in isolation! There is always someone going for a walk past our house and since weโre all craving social interaction, we are eager to reach out to each other. Itโs quite a lovely silver lining!” – Danielle, Hornsby
- “People, not just me, are returning to basics – baking bread, growing vegetables, connecting (at a social distance), doing all the things we always wished we had time for. It’s a more simplistic life that has emerged as my Covid-19 silver lining, with extra value and more appreciation.” – Michelle, Berowa Heights
- “I have been enjoying cooking more with kids and a wider variety of recipes. Also going shopping less so spending less money.” – Jackie, Artarmon
- “I have noticed my kids have started building a more strong relationship being at home together all the time. It’s so heart warming to see them filled with love for each other.” – Seemal, Carlingford
- “Our young family of four moved from South Africa to Australia exactly three months ago, straight into a world pandemic. We have discovered the most beautiful hiking trails and enjoy the victory together when we reach a beautiful secluded beach or river and discover some hidden gems out there.” – Carol, St Ives
- “Time with children, window teds, tidy cupboards, homemade bread, no commuting, magazines read, daily walking, no middle age spread, early dinners, weed free garden beds!” – Karen, Lindfield
- “The extra helping hands. I had my mum buy us toilet paper, our shop sells out before we can get any and sister’s boyfriend brought us shopping once for a surprise. We are a family of seven, so know it’s hard for us at the moment, it’s great everyone is helping out!” – Lauren, Moonta
- “I am spending quality time with my kids and husband and rediscovering the joys of turning pages of a book to read.” – Michelle, Pymble
- “Saving two hours commuting time and spending that precious time with my little boy and partner as well as being able to wear pjs to work!” – Danielle, Wahroonga
- “Staying in and spending time catching up on Netflix, family time and cooking.” – Rosie, Beacon Hill
- “Not feeling the need to rush everywhere all the time. Letting my kids walk and do things at their own pace and not trying to rush them to daycare or me to work.” – Mel, Cremorne
- “My silver lining is spending quality time with my kids, teaching them to sow seeds (literally and figuratively) so that they focus on the positives of this situation that we find ourselves. We can still live an awesome life; simplicity is just watching their imaginations grow and their laughter fill the house.” – Louise, Cherrybrook
- “My silver lining is more of a green one – Iโve discovered a love of gardening! With all the time in the world to spend in my yard, Iโm getting down and dirty and encouraging my kids to join me. Fresh air, vitamin D and satisfaction are unexpected benefits of Covid-19!” – Fran, North Willoughby
- “Having a stay-at-home chef husband, who is so bored from not being at work, that he just cooks and cleans!” – Sara, Cremorne
- “More scheduled (virtual) catch-ups with girlfriends! We all make an effort now to look after our own and each other’s mental health, when we were just too ‘busy’ before.” – Michelle, Cammeray
- “I discover how cool it is to come up with art and craft ideas with my daughter and how nice is to avoid the traffic and to sit on the balcony on the late afternoon, watching the sky, listening to the nature and answering her questions.” – Silvia, Hornsby
- “It’s the first time we’ve been able to eat our meals together as a family – breakfast, lunch and dinner! I absolutely love this little silver lining.” – Annerine, Pymble
- “Iโm usually super busy with running a business and raising two young daughters. My ‘go to’ is usually play centres where I can sit and work while they play, but now my business has closed and so have play centres and Iโve never enjoyed myself so much going on nature walks, bike riding, showing them all different flowers and exploring our own neighbourhood. I canโt believe I didnโt take the time to do this before and I really appreciate it now.” – Janna, North Balgowlah
- “Actually hearing how hard my husband works and the work politics he has to deal with. So in turn I’m cutting him some slack and finally understand why he’s so mentally exhausted when he comes home (we both work full time). Also I’ve really honed in on my espresso-martini skills.” – Tanya, Leichhardt
- “Spending more quality time with my one-year-old son and having the time to help him learn new things such as words like โdogโ, gestures such as blowing kisses and taking his first steps! Ive come to realise that everything I need in the world is in my own four walls!” – Charlotte, Cammeray
- “My boys (5 and 10) have really surprised me by showing me so many characteristics I didnโt know they had. Maturity, adaptability, empathy and resilience. Making many of their own meals, helping with chores they had never tried before. Getting along with each other (mostly!) understanding they are now each otherโs best friend!” – Sue, Warrawee
- “Having the time for self care, putting myself and my health first. Being able to get out for that early morning/evening walk child free โ to stop, pause, breathe, take in the surroundings and just refresh. It honestly makes me that better person who Iโve so longing wanted to be.” – Jess, Wyoming
- “Being able to focus on myself! With no commute, I’ve had extra time to train not only my body, but my mind too! I have started meditation – something I kept ‘putting off for another day’!” – Hannah, Turramurra
- “My husband is working from home and able to help out more with our toddler and newborn baby than he otherwise would have if in the office! Also, Iโll be a cake maker/baker as my side hustle soon as Iโm baking almost every day.” – Sophie, North Willoughby
- “Learning Auslan which has been on my bucket list for years. Also spending more time just looking at the sky, clouds during the day and stars at night.” – Angela, West Pennant Hills
- “Iโve grown my cooking skills! Needing to save money and having more time at home has given me confidence to test new flavours and meals for the family.” – Vanessa, Lindfield
- “Besides spending time with my two toddlers (who previously cared for by grandparents), I’ve started eating healthier and getting household chores underway by utilising the time I would’ve spent travelling to/from work. I’m amazed at how organised I am, managing work, kids and household by myself.” – Anna, Gordon
- “My Covid-19 silver lining is having the kids spend their childhood like ours. Playing make believe in the backyard, climbing and sliding down rocks, destroying their clothes because they are being so adventurous in nature. It’s the only time in their life they will be able to experience the joy of dirty play outdoors! What a joy to see!” – Debbie, Berowra
- “The company I work (financial services) agreed for me to buy a brand new bicycle at their cost, to help me keep fit and healthy during isolation. Hubby had been bugging me for years to get one (so I could ride with him), so he is even happier about it than I am!” – Cyndie, Gordon
- “My silver lining is my family being safe at home. Also realising that how little we need to live. Empathy to others also realising that we all are connected. More appreciation to the freedom we have. Privileged to work from home. Spending time with family. Appreciate little things in the fast paced life. Realise the importance of the frontline workers in this tough time. Thankful to the life we have.” – Shweta, Turramurra
- “My Covid-19 silver lining is that I do not have to commute to work and spend 8-10 hours a week in the car! I also get to spend more time with my kids which is great as I work full time!” – Patricia, Brooklyn
- “Staying at home during Covid-19 gave me an opportunity to restore my work-life balance. I saved the commute time on public transport and had more time with my family now. The relationships with my kids and also my partner are closer due to staying at home during the Pandemic.” – Sue, Cremorne
- “I am nursing my mother through her last days of pancreatic cancer and she is based at Lawson NSW. This is normally an almost two-hour drive for me one way, but the COVID-19 lockdown has reduced traffic so that I have a shorter and less stressful drive.” – Jo, Cheltenham
- “After seven years of living on the beautiful leafy north shore, our family finally went and explored the bush walks in our area. We are now hooked!” – Lauren, Pymble
- “I have found it difficult to work from home, look after my four year old and homeschool my six year old. My Covid-19 silver lining is that itโs given me more time with my children. As a single parent who works full time I donโt spend enough quality time with them normally.” – Laura, West Pymble
- “Experimenting with recipes and actually realising I do have a green thumb. Everything seems to be getting categorised and put away as it should have always been.” – Cassandra, Woronora Heights
- “The air and the environment! All of this unnecessary travel has cut out so much unnecessary pollution. I went on my local bush walk and have never seen the water so clear! The stars are brighter and the air is fresher. I love this aspect of it.” – Lily, Castle Hill
- “Taught my son to read his mother tongue. Got some really funny memes. Saw very heart warming gestures too. No more ironing: less cost and less work. No more commute to office: less cost and more time.” – Fatima, Wahroonga
- “Covid-19 has allowed our family to spend more quality time with our children, appreciate the beauty of nature, admire the blue sky and fluffy white clouds that we have had. It has brought out the worse, but also the best of us. There are lots of people helping one another, there’s less road rage, and people are stopping for simple things like allow families to cross the road, to say hello and check in on neighbours, even our street has more people traffic and the hearing children’s laughter really makes you appreciate the slow down. Let’s not stop. Continue looking after nature, continue being courteous, continue greeting strangers, continue helping each other, so the world can be in the right course again.” – Lina, Hunters Hill
- “Iโm thankful for being safe at home and the silver lining is all the time my seven year old is getting with her five-month-old brother. Itโs very special.” – Sarah, North Ryde
- “I went back to work at the end of March and my 9 month old still wasn’t interested in solids and refused to drink milk from the bottle/sippy cup. So working from home means I am able to continue breastfeeding during the day and ensure he gets enough nutrition.” – Elizabeth, Westleigh
- “Having a sleep in, watching my kids knuckle down and do school work with the worst teacher (aka me lol). Grateful to live in a community so giving and caring.” – Amanda, Asquith
- “Spent more time exploring new recipes for the family and created dishes that I have never thought of in the past.” – Cindy, Lindfield
- “I am home stay mumpreneur. Covid-19 has effected my business meanwhile it has given me extra productive time. My silver lining of Covid-19 is:
- To have extra time to complete tasks that were piled up like arranging family pictures, deep cleaning, getting rid of extra stuff, baking and cooking new food.
- A great family time, husband is home too so it is rare plus lifetime opportunity.
- Some time for self education.
- Last but not least, community spirit (that I admire most).” – Muzna, Carlingford
- “Here are the various benefits I have noticed from staying at home:
- It gave me an opportunity to take a pause from my otherwise very busy life and spend more time with family and for self reflection.
- Have a down time, go for a long walk, notice the birds chirping, flowers blooming.
- To notice and write down the things we are thankful for in our life, harness gratitude and count our blessings.
- Get my 9 year old daughter to learn new skills like baking and churning up some easy recipes.” – Swaroopa, Wahroonga
These silver linings were all provided by North Shore Mums who entered our competition to win some amazing prize packs from TVSN. We’re delighted to announce the following winners:
Mel Dickinson, Warrawee
- Prize: Philips XXL Analogue Airfryer + Glasslock Oven Safe 4 piece set
- Quote: “Life in the slow laneโs been a blessing in disguise. Sure, instead of balayage mineโs greylayage, leg hairs are long enough to be plaited and fancy cocktails long gone โ but the hugs are now unhurried, the sleep-ins are longer, familyโs bonding stronger and weโve never been fitter from โexercisingโ outdoors.”
Danielle Fischer, Hornsby
- Prize: Retreatment Botanics Brighten and Glow Kit
- Quote: “Iโve never spoken to so many of my neighbours since being in isolation! There is always someone going for a walk past our house and since weโre all craving social interaction, we are eager to reach out to each other. Itโs quite a lovely silver lining!”
Louise Wing, Cherrybrook
- Prize: LโOccitane Luxury Pack
- Quote: “My silver lining is spending quality time with my kids, teaching them to sow seeds (literally and figuratively) so that they focus on the positives of this situation that we find ourselves. We can still live an awesome life; simplicity is just watching their imaginations grow and their laughter fill the house.”
What’s your Covid-19 silver lining? We’d love to hear them! Share your experience in the comments below…
