Bradford 101: Ages 0-9 on life in pandemic

NEXT: AGES 10-19: 'I was always hoping it was all a bad dream'

Jacob Jones, 6 months, from Thorpe Edge

I was born at the BRI on April 9, 2020. I was a big surprise for my mummy and daddy, Katie and Lee, because I arrived 11 weeks early, weighing 2lb1.5oz. Due to coronavirus, my mummy had been worried about going to the hospital for us to be checked, but it was lucky that she did as she had pre-eclampsia and I arrived the next day.

I spent my first 13 weeks in the neonatal department at the BRI, which was so peaceful and safe. While I was there, I became the star of a BBC documentary about lockdown babies. I met TV presenter Stacey Dooley, who signed a book for me. I was excited to meet my nanas and grandads when I got home – they all had to wear masks.

Poppy Luca Issott, 1, from Queensbury

I turned one in lockdown, but I wasn’t able to have my birthday party and I could only wave at my grandparents through the kitchen window. This made me sad. The rest of lockdown wasn’t too bad. I missed my friends and family lots, but I used to FaceTime video call them every day. I learned to walk and got to play with Mummy and Daddy everyday, instead of them being at work! I was very shy when I was allowed to see people again, but I soon came round and loved being able to cuddle my grandparents again as I had missed them lots.

Mikael James Afzal, 2, from Cottingley

In March, Mummy had my baby sister, Nova. They stayed in hospital for five weeks. I wasn’t allowed to visit. When they got home I helped mummy with Nova’s feeding tube and bathing her. In May I had my second birthday, and Mummy and Daddy bought me a Range Rover. I wasn’t allowed a party with my friends or family, but they made it extra special. Once lockdown was lifted I started going to the park, and I was also able to go see my Nana and Pop. In September, I started preschool alongside my uncle Thomas. He helped me settle in and make friends, I love going.

Mina Tofan, 3, Lilycroft Nursery School pupil, from Heaton

Coronavirus is when people get really poorly. In school my teacher checks my temperature and if you’re not well you must go home. My nursery is really fun and I love Rita and my friends. I wash my hands with soap a lot and make my hands into bubbles everyday. I miss going swimming with Mama. I love the park and eating ice cream. When I go on the bus, people wear a face mask. It looks nice and funny. I want coronavirus to go away so I can go swimming again.

Francesca Rossi, 4, from Halifax and Dad originally from Heaton

The summer lockdown was a real shock to my family. During our daily walks to the park, me and my dad would make up creative stories, so we decided to write a children’s storybook based around my imagination. One of the main characters is a little dragon. I really loved spending time with my daddy and playing in the park. Together we have published the storybook which is now available in local bookshops and at www.rossifamilypublishing.co.uk.

Rory Earley, 5, Harden Primary School pupil, from Wilsden

We have to wash our hands a lot, and people wear masks to stop spreading coronavirus. It’s important because we want everyone to be healthy. I had to go for a coronavirus test and put a stick up my nose. That wasn’t nice, but I was brave. At the beginning we were only allowed to go out of our house once a day, and that was a bit  boring. I wanted to hug and play with my grandparents, but I could only see them through the window and on video calls. We missed our holidays and going to nursery, but we did some fun things at home with Mummy and Daddy . I was glad that they didn’t have to go out to work any more. I looked forward to starting school. I hope the coronavirus goes away soon.

Rylie Dixon, 6, Harden Primary School pupil, from Wilsden

Overall, lockdown has been a good experience. I have enjoyed nature a lot – walking, playing in rivers, climbing trees and finding a shield bug and a toad in my garden. I loved PE with Joe Wicks everyday on YouTube and dressing up every Friday with Mummy. I loved my summer holidays in the UK and loved the road trip I went on with Mummy and Daddy and the hot tub we had at the big house we stayed at. I find the two-metre rule hard and not touching things and people. I miss hugs. Things are improving, but I recognise like a tower on one brick they are unstable.

Dhillan Aujley, 7, Home Farm Primary School pupil, from Clayton Heights

My time in lockdown was fun. I stayed at home with my mum and dad. It was weird because I couldn’t go to school, but I got to play lots. I enjoyed playing Minecraft and I built some water pipes for my house. I turned seven in lockdown and I got the best present ever – a Nintendo switch. I’m now back at school and like seeing all my friends. I have a new class and teacher and I am surrounded by all girls on my desk.

Esme Rees, 8, creator of the NHS Little Heroes Award and Brownie, from Thornton

We were doing the Clap For Our Carers on a Thursday, and I began to wonder about all the key workers’ children. What about them? They didn’t have anything for having their parents being away for so long. For my Brownie Speaking Out badge, I had to recognise a local issue and help out with it. I just thought about that and I got in contact with our local Councillor Richard Dunbar and we created the NHS Little Hero Award. It made me feel happy for the children because they were getting more noticed by getting the certificate and the badge. I’m just excited for when this might be all over by 2021.

Mohammad Adam Hussain, 9, Lady Royd Primary School Pupil, from West Bowling

The pandemic changed the world around us and the news of my school’s closure upset me. I came up with the idea of doing my own thing – a daily video blog on YouTube. I named the vlogs ‘Let’s Beat It Together’. This vlog was my insight, my thoughts, my opinions, a way to voice myself, a way of keeping in touch with friends and a way of making friends. I wanted to put smiles on people’s faces and I think I did just that and more. If you want to see the pandemic through the eyes of a nine year old, then tune in to my Discover With Adam YouTube channel. Don’t forget to like and subscribe!

NEXT: AGES 10-19: 'I was always hoping it was all a bad dream'

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