Taylor Swift was bang on when she saw in the New Year wearing a grizzly bear costume and captioned the snap: “Bye, 2020. It’s been weird.” It sure has. And 2021 hasn’t exactly got off to a promising start, with all schools now closed. As a qualified teacher whose children don’t go to school full stop..here are my tips for getting through the chaos and school closures as best you can.
Take 10
It might help to begin with some calming breaths and a moment’s reflection on the situation in hand. As a way of stepping back from the immediacy of our own issues, David Attenborough makes the point in the documentary A Life on Our Planet that what is happening to the environment is in fact the “only story” right now. It is worth watching, if you haven’t seen it.
Similarly, if your relationship with your child is strained, then mending this must be your primary focus. These are examples; my point is that you have been given this time during school closures and collecting your thoughts at the outset will guide you in how best to use it.
Get Organised
You may well need to contact your employer to request a more flexible working pattern over the next few weeks of school closures. You may also find it helpful to create a loose timetable for managing learning, working and – importantly – access to the computer, which you can put together in discussion with your children.
Regardless of age, children generally rise to the challenge when involved in adult decision-making and enjoy the autonomy that comes with working in partnership with their parents, rather than having decisions simply handed to them.
Discover Podcasts
This is an ideal way to enrich your child’s learning and there are some great podcasts out there for all ages and stages. From primary-level shows such as science-packed Wow in the World and ethics show Short and Curly, to expert-level podcasts for enthusiasts such as in-depth dinosaur-fest The Terrible Lizards and NASA’s Curious Universe podcasts, there is truly something out there for everyone if you do a bit of digging. There are also some great radio talk shows and audiobooks available, perfect to listen to while cooking or crafting.
Mind and Body
Our minds and bodies simply don’t function well without healthy food, enough sunlight, and regular exercise. This is a conversation you can have with your children, whatever their age, making decisions together about healthy lunches you can prepare and what outdoor activities would be fun to build in each day.
This is also an opportunity to discuss screen time and come to a family agreement about what feels right for you. Sometimes a technology drawer for mobile phones, iPads and laptops can be helpful. Out of sight, out of mind.
Trust Your Instincts
Whatever is happening in your family right now, this is an important time to trust your own judgement and avoid ricocheting between ‘expert’ opinions and news updates. Studies show that when we attempt to suppress our own self-doubt (something most of us do when bombarded by information), we actually inhibit the executive control function of our brain, making us even worse at accurate decision-making!
The message is clear: step away from social media, don’t overload yourself with information, and trust your instincts when it comes to what’s best for your family during this time.
Take Care of Yourself
Homeschooling, even temporarily during school closures, isn’t an easy option and creating ways to take care of yourself throughout the day is a must. Whether that means setting aside an hour to walk the dog at lunchtime, sitting down to read a book alongside your children. Or running a hot bath at the end of the day and hanging a ‘Do Not Disturb’ sign on the door, try to think ahead and plan these moments of ‘you time’ in advance. Significantly, these are also really good habits for mental wellbeing to model for children and teenagers.
Good luck with getting through the next few weeks of school closures. Try to stay positive and be clear with your child’s school regarding what is realistically achievable from your end. Above all, your family’s emotional and physical health has to come first, now and always.
Author bio
Anna Dusseau is a former secondary school teacher and examiner, who now homeschools her three children. Anna’s first book The Case for Homeschooling is available on Amazon.
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The work set from my kids school is pretty full on this time. I feel like a headless chicken running between the two of them, helping them and logging into zoom lessons for them! I am really having to try hard to carve out that time for me to keep sane. I went for a walk at 7am the other day because it was the only time I had!
Some good advice there’ short burst of work with children then a break x
Our home schooling starts tomorrow. Last time what kept us sane was getting out for a walk at least once a day, no matter the weather. Also getting things like maths and literacy our the way in the mornings, before they started to flag, really helped.
The school have been better this lockdown with actual lessons over zoom which is much better than work set on apps. I am still struggling with motivating the kids