While parents may be entirely over being stuck at home, for some kids, it’s been a catalyst to gain a fresh perspective on life and family. Here, eight Canadian children share some of the upsides to cocooning, from learning new skills to cute puppy cuddles.
Getting crafty

Photo: Courtesy of the family
?My dad?s an electrician, and he?s been showing us how to make stuff,? says Erin, 9, of Calgary. ?We made birdhouses and we painted them, and that was fun, plus we twisted copper wire to make ‘trees’ with wood for a base. For Mother?s Day, I carved the word mom out of soapstone, which I wouldn?t have had time to do normally.?
Talking tech
Photo: Courtesy of the family
?Instead of going to school, I make logos,? says six-year-old Phoenix in Toronto. Scratch coding and animating YouTube videos have also been keeping him busy, says his mom, Susan. Phoenix is on the autism spectrum but has still been able to access virtual therapy appointments from Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital. ?We talked to the doctor on Zoom, and what I liked is that she could really understand the dynamic of what he?s like at home?she can see him in action.? Learning to shop local
Photo: Courtesy of the family
?I know now that local businesses will be struggling, and I want to help them stay intact, because they?re the backbone of the community,? says 10-year-old Audrey of Calgary. ?I don?t want some of the stores I love?like the Cornerstone Music Café or Eastridge Sports,...