This second lockdown period for New Zealanders, particularly Aucklanders, reminds us that the disruption caused by COVID-19 is by no means over, and as of yet, there is no definitive end to the transitioning in and out of alert levels. Uncertainty is becoming the new normal and we are having to learn how to adapt to a continuously changing environment with restrictions to our usual way of living. At IPA Aotearoa NZ, we wanted to understand how our tāmariki and rangatahi found the lockdown experience. Young people are often more resilient and adaptable than us as adults, but we do have a crucial role in helping them navigate challenges such as this. We hope that by sharing this collective voice of our young taonga, we will be able to continue to meet their needs as we persevere on this journey.

Between May and June 2020 (when Aoteaora was in Alert level 2) we distributed an online survey to as many people as we could reach through our networks. In many cases, the survey reached mātua and kaitiaki who filled it out on behalf of their tāmariki. We received 49 responses from young people aged 2-14 (mean 7) years, who shared their thoughts with us. We asked them eight questions about their overall experience, play and how they were supported. I thought the responses were simple, yet beautifully insightful in a way that only children can express so candidly.

While we did not ask respondents to tell us anything about their living situation, it is important to note that these voices are unlikely to be representative of all New Zealand tāmariki, and in fact, most probably reflect the experiences of a minority. Nonetheless, I think we can all relate to what they told us was important, regardless of age!

Overall, the tāmariki and rangatahi who took part in this survey had a tolerable, if not positive lockdown experience, in which play and parent support played a large part. While friends were dearly missed, the extended opportunity to play in many ways made up for this, with the time off school viewed as time that could be spent doing things that they wanted to; such as jumping on the trampoline, baking, colouring in and riding bikes. These tāmarki and rangatahi were insightful and pragmatic, seeing both the good and bad things about lockdown:

“I’ve liked the time to practice handstands. I’ve liked more time to play with the twins. I felt a bit lonely and I got bored’ [9 yo]

“It was okay. No matter how this turns out I think I’ll be happy” [13 yo]

Some even said that they would “miss the lockdown” [4 yo]:

“I would prefer to keep the lockdown until the next school holidays” [12 yo]

Nonetheless, eight respondents of a range of ages (4-14) really struggled not being allowed to go out and see friends and family outside their bubble. Interestingly, only six tāmariki made any mention of the virus at all, and, of these, just two made any mention of being worried about catching it themselves. The collective sentiment mostly reflected the impact of the virus-related constraints on normal life.

The results of this survey demonstrate that despite restrictions and a lack of social interaction, lockdown wasn’t a necessarily stressful or scary experience, devoid of stimulation. With support from mātua and kaitiaki, the emptied schedule provided extended time for self-directed free play which was highly valued and thoroughly enjoyed, especially by younger children. Under normal circumstances, rangatahi tend to be afforded less opportunity for play; either due to a lack of space, facility or social pressure, and instead participate in more structured activities, or spend time with friends. The rangatahi we heard from appeared to find it more difficult to entertain themselves and make up for the lack of activities or ability to see their friends because of lockdown. Nonetheless, with encouragement, patience and empathy from parents, it seemed that they were able to understand and reconcile the situation.

Of course, not all tāmariki and rangatahi (or even pāhake!) made it through lockdown without experiencing some degree of anxiety or distress, and it is certainly not to say that those who struggled did not have support. However, what our tamariki and rangatahi have told us is that allowing them agency to choose how they fill their day, being present, flexible and providing reassurance can help get through these difficult and uncertain times. 

Below is a summary of the answers to each of the questions we asked.

Favourite ways to play during lockdown

As would be expected from a range of tāmariki of different ages, there was a huge variation in their favourite ways to play. Their answers are summarised in word cloud 1. The most commonly used word was simply “playing”, with many answers providing little specificity regarding the “what”, highlighting the value of unstructured, non-purpose driven activity. Children really enjoyed being allowed to do things they wouldn’t normally do such as use video consoles and have extended play time with parents & guardians. Rangatahi in particular, were grateful for having access to devices as they provided an opportunity to connect with friends.

Whakaahua 1 Favorite ways to play

Favourite spaces to play

As can be seen from word cloud 2, tāmariki identified three main places they liked to play; outside, in their bedroom and in the lounge. It could be argued that there weren’t many other places they had the option to play, but reading into their answers reveals what it was about these spaces that appealed. The lounge appeared to be a designated play space, where toys were kept and was a communal area where the whanau could interact with each other. Bedrooms (“my room”) offered a place for escape, solitary play and for rangatahi, a private space to connect with takatāpui. Despite the lack of connection with friends, the need for novel, designated spaces for tāmariki was evidenced with a number of “dens” created especially for lockdown. In outdoor spaces, whanau connected with nature and were immersed in the outside world. Perhaps more importantly, it was the only way you could be liberated from the home. Spending time outdoors created a sense of reality and normality, as although facilities were closed, at least there were other people around in familiar environments.

Whakaahua 2 Favourite spaces to play

“I … miss playing with other little people my age”

Unsurprisingly, what was overwhelmingly missed were friends and extended family. While some tāmariki also missed their kura, it was clear that for most, friends were missed more than classes. Similarly, close contact and touch was missed, with a hint of anxiety around doing so highlighted:

“I missed being able to see my close friends and talk to them face to face and hug them and be in close contact without the anxiety of covid-19” [14 yo]

Our tāmariki certainly felt restricted, missing being able to go to places they usually would such as the beach (presumably, for those who lived driving distance away), clubs, playgrounds and swimming pools.

Going back to school

There were very mixed feelings about going back to school however, this was less because of concern over the virus, and more because most tāmariki had enjoyed themselves at home:

“online learning wasn’t stressful and i find it quite enjoyable, being given assignments and organising my own schedule was good :)” [14 yo]

A lot of tāmariki expressed this conflict of feelings:

“I feel very eh about it. I’m excited to get back to my schedule and everyday life but I have mixed feelings” [7 yo]

“I will miss my family and being outside more, but excited to see friends and play netball” [10 yo]

Almost all the tāmariki who were not looking forward to going back to school were mostly younger children (4-8 yo) and had expressed how much they liked being at home. Only one five year old said they were worried, although they did not say why.

“They are doing what they always do”

Children’s recognition of what their parents did for them was touching. It was as though the tāmariki could understand that their mātua were having to put in extra effort to keep everyone feeling content. There were “lots of cuddles, and … lots of love” [5 yo], help with school work, extra play time and special meals, which made the tāmariki feel supported and safe. Rangatahi said that their parents were there to talk to when they needed, but that their space was also respected. 

Even though mātua sometimes had to nag to get them to do something they didn’t want to do, the tāmariki realised that they were grateful. When asked how their parents/carers had been supporting them, one child said:

“They make me go for walks and runs even though I don’t really want to” [7 yo]