COVID-19 crisis Canadian children   have been cooped up for three months, trying, like the rest of us, to make sense of what’s going on. We asked a few of them about their experiences. (This is so boring.) What they miss the most, they all agreed, are their friends. They each found their own way to cope, whether it was reconnecting with a sibling, inventing new games, growing closer to a parent or pet, or discovering their true strength.

Roya Poorooshasb, 6

Vancouver

Because my parents are avid news consumers, I am well-versed in the virus. I’m worried because I know a lot of people are dying.

It’s difficult to stay at home all the time. A lot of the time, I’m bored. When I’m bored, I talk to Lila, my dog. She’s an extremely quiet dog. When I’m bored, I’ll just jump around.

Because my parents work a lot, I’ve been taking a break from school.

I lost two teeth to the virus and have a lot of wiggly teeth. Fortunately, the tooth fairy has continued to visit. The second time, she handed me a new $10 bill! On Christmas, I’m likely to give the majority of my money to the poor.

If you look closely, the virus resembles a small ball with red spots. What I’m curious about is how the virus spreads. And how can people see the coronavirus up close?

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Luke Friesen, 13

Cambridge, Ont.

My mother, brother, and I have been staying up late. My father is the only one who still goes to bed at a reasonable hour! My older brother Bryce and I used to fight frequently, but we’re fighting less now.

What I know about the coronavirus is that it is a previously unknown disease that spreads quickly. It interferes with your breathing.

I was diagnosed with diabetes on the same day my school was closed due to the virus.

I’d been getting home from school early a lot because I wasn’t feeling well. I was always exhausted. My stomach hurt after I ate, and I had to use the restroom frequently.

My mother drove me to a walk-in clinic where I had blood work done. The clinic called back and told us to go to the emergency room right away.

Owen Skelly, 6

Calgary

The best part about being sick is baking with my mother. We’ve made cookies, muffins, and banana bread so far.

I miss playing Gaga Ball in COVID-19 crisis a game I created with my friends Bennett and Ella. I also miss being a part of a team. I’d be playing soccer and spring hockey right now if it weren’t for the virus. I’m a Blue hawks  player. I want to play on the right side of the field. I began playing hockey when I was three years old!

The virus bothers me slightly. I’m afraid my family will catch it.

Being stuck inside becomes tedious. When I’m bored, I watch TV, eat something, and listen to records.

I’ll be seven years old in 15 days. I’d like an Elvis record and a trampoline for my birthday. I’ve already received a birthday gift in the mail. I dislike surprises!

Because I have nowhere to be in the morning, I feel sluggish. I can’t wait to return to school. I enjoy going to school. I excel at mathematics. My teacher occasionally assigns me to Grade 2 math. I enjoy writing in my journal and reading aloud. We had a Zoom call today, but school is much better. People use their microphones far too loudly!

Moira Sie (14),

Winnipeg Moira Sie, 14

My hockey season was cancelled in the middle of the playoffs – it just stopped. I was supposed to go on an exchange to Prince Edward Island with my rugby team last month – I’m a scrum-half.

When I learned how quickly the virus was spreading, I became concerned.

For me, there was a period of adjustment. At first, I just sat around wishing I could see friends. Then I realized: You can’t change what’s going on, so get up and get to work in COVID-19 crisis.

Every day, I try to check in on my friends to see how they’re doing. Some students have been overwhelmed by their schoolwork. I try to cheer them up and assist them.

My younger brother, Theo, and I are getting along better than ever. We build forts. We also have fun at times. Theo came up with a new game the other day that involved bouncing and catching a mini basketball. We spent an entire day using PVC piping, cups, a hair dryer, and tape to construct a Rube Goldberg-style machine that delivered a ping-pong ball down a set of stairs and outside.

If I were to describe the pandemic to a group of younger children, I would tell them never to say they’re bored again! They are always welcome to go out for ice cream, visit friends, or watch a movie. We were trapped inside, with no way out.