Being a parent who may be trying to manage remote working, keeping up to date with your own schedule whilst home schooling is something a lot of us have had to adapt to. There are resources and support available that allow us to thrive while in this situation.
Although many of us can spend more time with our children and work flexible hours, it is still a challenging time for us all, including our children.
Here are three ways to support your child, and maintain your wellbeing, that you might find helpful.
1. Simplify: Relax your home schooling and productivity standards to a level appropriate for a worldwide pandemic.
If you’re a parent trying to home school and work remotely, your household might look a bit like this – flitting back and forth between helping your child with Google Classroom, trying to set up another child for some independent work, and fielding questions every few seconds (wait, what is the difference between scalene and isosceles triangles again?!?).
There may be a realisation that being super productive with your own schedule and home schooling your children full time is not possible right now – and that’s ok.
Try to remember:
- I am not home schooling. I am doing my best to help my kids learn at home during a pandemic.
- I am not “working from home.” I am doing my best to work at home during a pandemic.
2. Structure: Keep calm and structure on
If you Google “How to support my child during COVID-19,” the top advice is to stick to a regular schedule, even when you’re all at home all day.
This does not need to be a rigid planned timetable, but more a fluid family schedule including opportunities for fun, exercise, hands-on learning activities, and family connection. It is also important to build in “emotional checkpoints” during the day and involve your child in designing their schedule.
3. Support
More than ever, we need to continue to support others and get support as well. Whether that includes asking friends, family and colleagues, supporting specific needs of your children, or seeking support for home schooling – giving or receiving support is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Our Community & Family Learning team offer FREE interactive courses to help you negotiate these tricky times. If you are a parent, grandparent or caring for a child or young person living in Essex we have support for you. View all courses
There is also support through the ACL Community and Family Learning Facebook group .
And finally, it’s important to stay positive.