This is a collaborative post
There might have been some rumours about schools opening back up in the near future, but with children at home right now and for the foreseeable, homeschooling is something that most parents are just getting used to. Many parents are having to juggle monitoring their children’s schoolwork while also trying to work from home in the middle of a global crisis, and nobody said it was going to be easy. It’s an environment of uncertainty and broken routines, and you could be forgiven for getting a little more stressed out than usual or feeling lost about where to even start to make sure that your kids can continue learning throughout this time.
The good news is that the classroom isn’t the only way that kids can learn a lot during this time. And even if you don’t feel totally confident homeschooling subjects like maths and science, there are several things that you can do to support your child and make the situation easier on everybody involved. Keep these tips in mind if you have been homeschooling during the pandemic and want to reduce stress at home.
Get Faster Wi-Fi:
If everybody’s logged onto the Wi-Fi at once and you’re having trouble with your connection and speeds, then you’re not alone. Most households didn’t consider the risk of a worldwide pandemic that would mean adults working and kids learning from home at the same time when they chose which Wi-Fi package to sign up for, so don’t worry if yours isn’t up to the job. It’s certainly not the only one right now.
Upgrading your router might be a good idea if it’s struggling to handle everybody being logged in at once/ Make sure that your router is in an open part of your home, and everybody is set up in areas where there is a strong connection. If you’ve tested your Wi-Fi speeds and they are simply not fast enough for everything that you need to do, it might be worth looking around for new broadband deals.
You can run a broadband comparison at usave to find the best broadband deals for your needs and compare broadband packages that will be faster than what you’ve currently got. You can find information on broadband deals here; just enter your postcode to start comparing the best broadband deals in your area.
Relax Your Standards:
Bear in mind that we are in the midst of a worldwide pandemic so there’s really no need for your family to be super productive during this time. Stress and anxiety are real during this crisis and being as productive as possible with your own job, plus giving a lot of time and attention to your kids as they learn from home, isn’t possible for most families right now. Instead, relax your standards and know that it’s OK if things fall behind a little bit, or there are days when you don’t get as much done as you’d hoped. Now might be a great time to let your kids take the lead when it comes to learning. They can use this time to figure out what they enjoy the most.
Get Support:
Getting support might seem difficult right now when there’s no option of dropping the kids off to spend the day with grandma or meet a friend for a coffee and a much-needed chat. But even in the midst of social distancing, don’t think that there isn’t support out there. Your child’s teachers are likely to be just a phone call away, and if you are struggling with anything, they will be able to give you some advice and suggestions to help you get through it. There’s no shame in admitting that you need some support and help, especially during a time like this, so whether you need to call a professional for some guidance or speak to a friend or relative for some emotional support, don’t be afraid to reach out for help if you need it.
Don’t Try to Turn Your Home into a School:
Many parents make the mistake of thinking that their home has to somewhat look and feel like a school in order for their kids to learn effectively, but that simply isn’t true. While setting up a desk and chair for your child to use as a workstation while they are learning from home can help them focus and get in the right mindset for learning, you don’t have to go so far as to ‘play at school’ at home. Avoid trying to make your rooms resemble a school; just have a conversation with your kids and find out what will work for them to help you develop a plan for doing school at home during these times.
Be Flexible:
Most kids are used to a routine at school, but right now, everybody’s normal routine has been disrupted and there’s no need to feel like you have to stick to a rigid schooling routine at home. If anything, trying to stick too closely to a routine is going to make everybody feel even more stressed out if things don’t go to plan, so accept that it’s OK to be flexible. Sometimes, you might not get a lot done on a certain day, and that’s OK. Of course, trying to get into some kind of routine is good for everybody, but don’t panic if sometimes you have to deviate from it. Being able to adapt and adjust to the situation on a day-to-day basis is key to keeping homeschooling enjoyable for the whole family.
Take a Break From School Work:
Being cooped up every day of the week at home with your family isn’t easy at any age. If you’re all starting to feel the effects of the lockdown, there’s no harm in taking a break for a few days and having some fun instead. Nobody wants their kids to be under immense academic pressure during times like these. Taking a break can be essential for their mental health and their ability to learn. And, it’ll help you as the parent get more time to focus on what you need to be doing with work or other commitments.
Learn Other Stuff:
Don’t forget that classroom learning isn’t the only kind of learning that your child can do right now. In fact, while they are spending more time at home than usual, it’s a great opportunity to teach them some essential life skills and help them figure out what they really enjoy, even if it’s something that isn’t taught in school. During the lockdown, kids can learn to cook, garden, decorate, and even do everyday household tasks like ironing that they might not have had the chance to do before. Don’t worry too much if your child isn’t working as hard as they normally would on Maths and English if you’ve been spending more time teaching them life skills that they will really be able to use in the future. It’s all learning, and it’s all good for them.
Many parents have been thrust into a homeschooling situation that they never expected or prepared for. If you’re feeling the stress of this new way of living, keep these tips in mind to keep homeschooling fun and educational for everybody.