THERE’S no lockdown on passive-aggressive one-upmanship, so here’s how to outdo the Joneses without leaving the house:
Competitive rainbow painting
Sure, everyone’s decorating their windows with rainbows to symbolise hope – but your kids’ rainbows are in the style of Monet, Picasso, Klimt and Damien Hirst. Screw you, number 13 with your shit colouring-in and felt-tip pens that are clearly on their way out. Should have stockpiled.
Heartwarming virals
Showcase as many family talents as possible in three minutes: Bohemian Rhapsody with the kids doing solos on piano, oboe and timpani and your other half doing the Fandango. Your lockdown hair already looks like 1975 Queen, but now it’s a style choice.
Order a massive TV
Make sure the neighbours see it coming, ideally blocking the whole close because your Ocado delivery – booked in early March – arrives at the same time. Then post online about how much you’re looking forward to the National Theatre stream tomorrow.
Boast about your tolerant home-schooling
You’re letting the kids go at their own pace, letting them set the agenda, like a Zen temple of liberal learning. Really you’re hothousing them until their brains burn because the bloody SATs are coming up.
Hold garden exercise classes
Why exercise indoors, when you can take the whole family out to the front garden for a tai chi session? The rest of the street will find your whalesong-pan pipe mood mix relaxing, not intensely aggravating.
Offer your kids’ nurse fancy-dress to the NHS
It’ll be a viral sensation, and what’s the point of children if they can’t get you on the regional news? Later that day a nurse will turn up and take the lot because they need it.
