Covid-19 has robbed me of people watching
It is that time of year when many of our children fly the nest to university. Lots of different emotions bounce around – ranging from relief and tears of joy (not that you don’t love them but you also treasure your own sanity), then at the other end of the emotional spectrum there are nerves, sadness and a sense of loss.
The challenge of Covid-19 has not diminished the appetite to go – it seems that numbers for university attendance are generally up, even if this means that some of your uni life will be spent looking at a screen rather than visiting the lecture hall or auditorium.
Connected with this yearly migration is one of my favourite pastimes. At this time of year, visiting the world’s largest flat-pack store and watching (sometimes listening) to parents walking their children around to get supplies for their life in halls of residence is great fun.
On so many occasions you’d have, for example, a 19-year-old, about sixfoot three, with a beard being carted around by two parents pushing a trolley full of supplies.
Generally mum is irritated and dad is detached.
On one occasion, I heard a mum
request that her son get a bin. He came back with a tiny paper basketstyle bin. His mum was furious and exclaimed that he needed a bin for his dirty washing and it wasn’t going to fit in that!
The lad replied that he didn't expect to have much dirty washing. Genius.
Both parties were on a steep learning curve. Both parties seemed correct. On another occasion a mother and daughter were arguing (for everyone to hear) as the mum was insisting that she buy a cutlery and utensils holder for the draining board. The daughter was having none of it.
Husband moved in to calm the situation by advising that it ‘may be’ an unnecessary item.
The mum tore a strip off him saying: ‘What on earth will she put her washed cutlery in then?!’
It was fantastic – so funny. It made for a great afternoon of people watching – parents' expectations and fears all bolted together in one easy-to-view experience.
Sadly with the influx of maskwearing and limited numbers visiting stores, this wonderful moment has been taken from me.
This annual family migration from one land to another can no longer be the spectator sport that benefited me so richly every year.
However, what I would say is that if you’re lucky enough to have a child going to university (and it’s not for everyone, as my mum used to say, primarily to me and my brother) then good luck.
I hope you don’t rush in too quickly to paint their room when they’ve gone.
Some friends of ours turned the newly vacated room from their knuckle-dragger’s domain to beautifully smelling and decorated spare in the same week their son left.
He came back unexpectedly because he forgot some stuff and saw it. By all accounts he was very emotional.
He said it felt like they were pleased he’d gone. Nonsense, silly lad.
Give it at least two weeks before you start the project.
One overall new benefit could be that at least you know they won’t be out partying every night in clubs and bars.
No, no.
All that will be done in their accommodation - safely distanced from all the hundreds of other students in the same building (you're right, I’m only jealous).
One new benefit could be that at least you know they won’t be out partying ever y night in clubs and bars