When parents refuse to accept lockdown

If you thought dealing with children is difficult during isolation, know that it is just as hard to deal with elderly parents during these times. Our parents, many of whom have underlying health issues such as diabetes and blood pressure, and in general have weaker immune system from ageing, should not be going out of the house at all. Some members of the TBS staff share their stories on keeping parents indoors. 

The struggle was real! 

Sumaiya Zaman

My father has had a bypass surgery, he also has acute lung issues. The other day he wanted to go out to buy fish and I practically had to fall at his feet to make him stop! 
Our aunt lives in the building adjacent to ours and when my mother, a diabetic patient, heard that she had a flu, she immediately wanted to go meet her. It was hard to make her stop. 

Shaikha Shuhada Panzeree

My mother is absolutely stubborn and would spend hours roaming around here and there, this friend's house or that relative's place. Sometimes she would barge into my place just like that. So I sat her down, gave her a long lecture on the current situation and now she understands, hopefully. 

Maria Mohsin

My father would regularly go to the press club, saying that the almighty would save him from corona virus. He stopped going only when press club shut down. 

Marzan Jui  

Usually my mother would get out of the house thrice every day, and now, during this crisis, she wants to get out even more! 

Sharier Khan
My elderly mother-in-law gets bored inside the house and frequently wants to go out. Finally I pleaded with her not to go anywhere and stay indoors. 

Sadia Islam 

My father is convinced that the coronavirus is nothing but a conspiracy and he will not stop going to the mosque. I have requested him multiple times, but now I have just given up!

Azizur Rahman Anik

My father is concerned in a different way, he asked me whether my office has made arrangements for me to spend the nights there!

Nazia Adnin

My 85-year-old grandmother who lives in New York is more troubled about staying indoors than my mother here in Dhaka.

Rupak Khan

When my cousin cancelled his wedding and my parents were like one should not be so scared (ato bhoye pele chole). 

Rubaid Iftekhar  

My 63-year-old father is a doctor who also runs a hospital. He has to go there even at times he does not feel like going. But he also keeps saying that "patients need doctors".

Kanij Mehjanin Mitu 

My parents were going out every day to visit the construction site for our new house. My father's excuse was because they travelled in a car, it was safe. In his words "the virus cannot touch us inside the vehicle". They stopped going when the construction work was halted. But now he goes to the bazaar every day. He thinks being a retired government official means he can scare corona virus away.
 

We love our parents and want them to be safe and sound. So, even if they are being a bit stubborn, take your time to help them make video phone calls to other family members, or take small strolls together on the rooftops – anything which might make them feel better.