Home Schooling

Since the outbreak of Conavirus, the rate of daily change we have all had to manage has been phenomenal, from social (physical!) distancing, constant hand washing, the ever present message of #stayhome and now the wearing of masks in Victoria.

With change, there are always a variety of responses. Some people shine, adapt, or celebrate the change. However, for many it is a real struggle. As well as adapting to change world outside our doors, with Covid-19 came another change for many Australian households to adapt to – online learning and home schooling. While many parents and caregivers will be questioning their ability to take on yet another role – of teacher – it’s crucial that they balance this with prioritising the mental health of their children, and themselves, and see it as an opportunity as well as a challenge.

Expect anxiety (and behaviour) to get worse before it gets better

With constant change, and the adults around them having their own adjustment process to this ‘new world’, not being able to go to school and having to learn from home may trigger further anxiety in some. This will be particularly difficult for kids already struggling with anxiety, learning, and neurodevelopmental difficulties, such as ADHD and ASD, as well as those who have a challenging home environment. For many home has previously been a place of rest, a place to play, and now it has become a place to learn! It’s natural for kids to find this anxiety provoking, and some kids may respond by acting out. Try and recognise what sits underneath your young persons challenging behaviour. Are they bored? Finding it hard to admit they don’t understand the teachers instructions? Or are they anxious and missing their friends? While it’s easier said than done, it’s important for parents and caregivers to expect this, and respond flexibly. Breath! Then do the best you can to empathise with your child, normalising their anxiety and frustration, and model that it is okay to find it hard, have a laugh, and engage in some shared self-care.

Sure, its hard for them, but we hear you, it’s hard for you too!

We understand that the juggle of work, learning and home life can be over whelming, there are a few simple things you can do to make everyones life a little easier.

Maintain some routine

Home students and teachers alike will benefit from mimicing the classroom environment as much as possible. For those who have the space to do so, creating a “school zone” separate from other areas of the house, kids will more easily transition from school time to home time. Implementing the school timetable, with definte start and finish times, and clear demarcations for recess and lunch will also assist. Some kids will benefit from wearing their uniform to “feel” like they are at school or packing their usual bag and lunch and “arriving” to their new classroom.

Flexibility will also be your best friend. Home school days do not have to be the same as a regular day, and it is important to create a schedule that works with your own work and home needs. Depending on the age and well-being of your child have a family chat about how to juggle everyone’s schedules, and assure them you will find a solution for any challenges that you face.

MOVE and have fun!

In these times of isolation, particularly if we are balancing working from home with supervising learning, it is incredibly easy to rely on technology and screens to entertain the

kids. However, schools include recess, lunch, and physical education classes for a reason – kids need the opportunity to get outside, take risks, and move their bodies for their mental and physical health –just as do adults! Try to include structured times for sharing nourishing meals, a walk around the block, or kick of the footy in the back yard. This will pay dividends at the end of the day.

Incidental Teaching

Most importantly, believe in yourself! Ditch the perfectionism and expectation that you perform exactly as a qualified teacher would. Parents are constantly teaching their kids in incidental ways – experiments and maths are at play daily in the kitchen, environmental studies in the park or back yard, and psychology and conflict resolution – well – all the time. As much as the home schooling situation will be challenging, it has the opportunity to build family relationships…and resilience. We have got this!

Network and reach out

Social distancing doesn’t have to mean social isolation. Remember that you are not alone in this. Many other families are experiencing similar struggles finding the right balance. Reach out and support each other. Share what’s working, and what’s not. Just listen to each other. If you are really struggling, GPs and mental health professionals are fully equipped to provide their usual support.

TAKE THE PRESSURE OFF YOURSELF

Remember these are unprecedented times, do whatever you can and whatever you can do will be enough. Children are remarkably adaptable, and schools will also adjust on the other side of this unprecedented world event. Try not to place too much pressure on any one moment, trusting that over each week your children will get their needs met.