Structure, downtime and Joe Wicks – how to make remote Learning work for your kids

A visual timetable, a good routine and plenty of exercise will all help your children, says clinical psychologist Dr Kate Mason.

“Younger children especially are emotional sponges, so they take their lead from us,” she explains. “It’s good to come from a place of calm – if children are calm they are more able to learn.

“Make a visual timetable so they can see what is going to happen during that day and that week. Kids thrive with structure; it helps them feel safe when they know what is coming next. Make the plan together with them and include lots of downtime and fun activities. It’s important to keep them looking forward. that will benefit your

exercise and encouraging them to keep talking.

“If English, maths, science, projects and so on aren’t going well, take a break and start to help their brains develop in other ways. Going out for walks, you could count the trees together. Ask them to go and find five things that are red, four things that are shiny, etc. It’s another way to learn.

“Put the subtitles on the TV and get them to read them. And a lot of recent children’s films are brilliant for providing opportunities to talk about feelings. Exercise is key too – a bit of Joe Wicks is great for kids.

“Keep in mind that parents are not teachers and have a bit of self compassion. Kids are designed to push their parents’ buttons and you’ll feel frustrated at times, so if that happens take a break – and then try again.”