Section 7: How the pandemic affected children’s mental health and wellbeing (d) Family relationships Connectedness also extended to family relationships. Children reported that the restrictions meant they missed out on seeing some family members. For example, some children whose parents were separated, indicated that they were unable to see one parent because of the restrictions. Others spoke about missing extended family in other states and territories, or family overseas—whom they were unable to see because of the border restrictions. Despite many children reporting negative impacts of the pandemic restrictions, some children reported some benefits of the extra time spent at home with family. Several parents/guardians and grandparents felt that more should have been done to provide opportunities for particular groups of children to socialise: ld ilies sho u m a f d il h One c ake able to m n e e b e v ha ith ’ bubble w a ‘singles amily, like another f iven. lts were g u d a le g in s ity, VIC —Mother, abil with a dis Older childre n sho uld have been able to have a social bubble . —Mother, VIC (e) Views of parents/guardians and grandparents on how the pandemic affected their children Parents/guardians and grandparents were also asked what they thought their children missed the most when they had to stay home during lockdowns and schools being closed. Consistent with responses from children, parents/ guardians and grandparents frequently said that children missed opportunities to spend time and socialise with friends and participate in group sport and other extra-curricular activities with others. 58 | Some parents/guardians and grandparents pointed out the isolating impacts of chronic illnesses in the context of the pandemic. ‘Mental health shapes my life’: COVID-19 & kids’ wellbeing • 2022 | 59