With all schools closed due to Covid-19, many parents are feeling the pressure of homeschooling as well as finding entertainment for them.

Firstly, as difficult as it may be, try not to be too hard on yourself. This was not something anyone could have imaged would happen, hardly any of us are teachers nor have experience in a pandemic. There have been many reports of parents feeling overwhelmed – if you’re feeling like this, you’re not alone. We did a little research ourselves and found some helpful tips to help.

Include regular breaks for yourself as well as your children

It’s all well making sure to include breaks for your kids, but you need some time out too! When your kids are writing or reading, take that time to chill out; read yourself, have a hot drink or watch some TV. Whatever will relax you. Lunchtime walks may also help you and your kids.

Involve your kids in the schedule.

They know you’re not their teacher. Involving them may make them feel more enthusiastic about what is going on. When creating the schedule, try and factor in your kids’ strengths. E.g. if they find concentrating difficult, try and include more hands-on learning. If you child loves to read, include more reading tasks.

Use technology to your advantage

There are many online courses, including new daily lessons on BBC Bitesize – you just type in the year your children are in and daily lessons are there waiting https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize

Have one room in the house dedicated to school

Learning in different rooms is confusing. They will begin to associate that room with time to behave and learn. So, don’t move it around too much.

Be easy on yourself and them

If they are finding it difficult, don’t be too harsh on them. If you are finding it difficult, do not be too harsh on yourself! This is all new to both yourself and your children. Find the path that suits you best and embrace pros and cons; it’s all a learning experience.

Call in the Big Guns

Many of us will not have touched subjects since we left school. However, some people have based their careers around them. There are currently many celebrities sharing their expertise in specific subjects. Your children can tune in to P.E with Joe Wicks, Physics with Brian Cox or take a lesson with David Attenborough. When it gets tough, it’s okay to call in the professionals!