What were your initial thoughts about how lockdown would affect you (back in March last year)? “How on earth are we going to manage working and childcare at the same time?”

What was the reality of the first lockdown for you? We were shielding in the first lockdown but the weather was great, so we spent a lot of time in the garden. We got used to being in the house/garden all the time, so it was really scary leaving the house when we got the green light.

Have things changed over time for you as the restrictions have been eased and toughened? Things got easier in November when our kid finally started school nursery. We had finally time to think. Now we’re struggling again mentally with the third lockdown and lack of childcare. This has felt worse than March 2020.

Have there been easy/positive aspects of lockdown? Getting outside has become really important to us. We’ve been out in all weather and discovered lots of new parks and walks nearby we would have never have found if Covid hadn’t hit.

Have there been difficult/negative aspects of lockdown? Our 4 year old really misses his family and friends. It’s hard to deal with as we miss them loads too.

Has your work been affected? My day job has been really busy. Very grateful to still have a job but it is a struggle juggling work, chores, childcare and my own projects. There is so little downtime.

What has helped you get through lockdown? Drawing, gardening and getting outside.

Have you learnt anything, during lockdown, that you will want to carry forward as it is eased? Are there things that you might even miss? When lockdown began we started doing Zoom calls with friends who live far away. Weirdly we now have a better social life in the evenings as we can have a drink and chat with friends online – it hasn’t been possible really since we had our son. Definitely something I’d like to continue, though can’t wait to see people in person when it’s safe again.

All words, drawings and photos by Laura. You can find more of Laura’s drawings and words at www.instagram.com/laura_robin_draws