Learning from home during COVID restriction offers potential for quality family time

I will confess, I have mentioned to my husband and several friends, that I truly feel for parents in this situation. I have also said that I am relieved that such a circumstance was not one I experienced.

Now don't get me wrong, I loved spending time with my children, but I struggled with guiding them through their homework at times. The concept of supporting them through a full day of learning terrifies me.

I have learnt of late that I am not the only one who feels this way. On my regular daily walks I often run into a young mum who told me earlier this year that the last of her three children had finally gone to school. She said she had been enjoying the chance to catch up on many things that had not been achieved with a toddler in tow.

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More recently, during current COVID restrictions in NSW, I saw her sitting on one of the park benches along the path I walk. I said hello and asked her how she was? She said that she was making the most of some time on her own before she had to go home and assist her three children - all at different academic levels - with their daily schooling.

I couldn't help but feel for her and all other parents in similar circumstances.

I understand that the education of young people is a daily task for many at the best of times. But let's be fair, those tasked with this responsibility are trained for the role of teacher. The good news is that those same trained people, are still remotely on hand to guide parents while they tackle the learning at home expectations in the midst of a COVID lockdown.

The reality for many parents is that they are feeling out of their depth as they try to navigate the daily education of their children. Furthermore, many are doing this while also working from home in what is their regular employment role.

And of course there is that added challenge of trying to be all things to all children at varying ages and academic levels - parent, teacher, entertainment co-ordinator, nurse and even counsellor for children struggling with a very different way of life.

I'm not surprised that the current learning from home expectations are overwhelming for many.

Now as mentioned previously, I have been fortunate not to be tasked with this responsibility as my children are now adults. I am clearly no expert on the subject, but I am keen to know how parents and children are navigating the challenge and at the very least offer a message of support to all.

On another recent walk I ran into a mum and her three children - all primary school aged. I asked her how she was coping with the current educational expectations. Her response was one that will hopefully be a boost to other parents who are struggling.

She said that she was making the most of the family time and doing activities that provided quality connection, fun and learning at the same time. When I encountered this family they were getting their daily exercise while out and about in the fresh air, and enjoying the many natural sights of the great outdoors at the same time. I couldn't help but think there were several great learning opportunities in the outing - maybe a story to be written about the adventure, a picture to be drawn and of course the chance to appreciate nature.

Several years ago, prior to the COVID pandemic, I did a series stories about parents who chose to home school their children full time. At that time it amazed me how these parents found ways to educate in an engaging and positive format that was clearly reaping rewards. A simple session of cooking touched base with lessons in maths (measurements), English (reading recipes), nutrition and of course life skills.

It occurred to me that an outdoor adventure was yet another way to learn through quality time.

Meanwhile recent conversations with both family and friends who are teachers, about the current learning situation, helped me identify that the approach of those who have long embraced home schooling is a lesson for all parents who are now assisting their children in a learn from home environment.

The general message, from my teacher contacts to parents, is that parents should do the best they can with the tasks at hand and look for ways to help their children learn that doesn't cause too much stress for anyone.

Perhaps a baking class at home is food for thought!

Mumma Jak has three children and is familiar with the challenges of parenthood. She is well aware that every child is different, every day can be different and a parent's approach needs to be different according to the situation at hand. She is happy to say she fumbled through, motivated from the perfect starting point - unconditional love. The good news is that all three of her children have become normal functioning adults.

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