HOW TO HELP YOUR CHILD GET THE BEST FROM HOMESCHOOL

Parents everywhere are facing some common problems: a child who finishes everything too quickly, or one who can’t get it all done and is drowning in assignments. Emma explains some strategies

If you’re struggling with homeschooling, drop the guilt. You didn’t train as a teacher, so don’t imagine that you should magically morph into one. Your job is to oversee their home learning, so first stick their timetable somewhere visible, so you all know which online lesson they are attending.ALLOW THEM SPACE

If your child flies through their work, you may be tempted to ask for more, but kids are dealing with a very stressful period, so as long as their work is of a good quality, they should be allowed to do things that make them happy with the extra hours. If your child is struggling to keep up, don’t be alarmed – many kids struggle with digital learning, because their brain doesn’t take in information as well through video learning. If this is the case, let the school know that this is having a negative impact on their mental health. The subjects they are covering now will have to be revisited in school, as many children won’t have had the resources to have been able to cover everything. Reassure your kids that this is just temporary, and as long as they are trying their best, that is enough.

WORK OUT BARRIERS

If your child is utterly demotivated, they may be reacting to a drop in their mood, which doesn’t need compounding by being disciplined for being lazy. Sit with them to explore pressure points. Are they emotionally exhausted? Do they feel disorganised, bored, or burnt out? Help them figure out the barriers to their learning so you can overcome them.

BE A CHEERLEADER!

Suggest they have a daily debrief call with a classmate. Then for 20 minutes at the end of each day, ask them which areas they had issues with and go online to search for resources – whether that’s a YouTube video, or a printable sheet that explains the topic. Your kids need to feel that you are on the same team. It is tough emotionally, educationally, psychologically and socially, so help them to get through the coming months with as little conflict and as much support as possible.