COPING WITH SCHOOL CLOSURES - THE PARENTS' GUIDE TO - IN RESPONSE TO CORONAVIRUS - MARCH 2020 - Amazon S3
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IN RESPONSE TO CORONAVIRUS - MARCH 2020 THE PARENTS’ GUIDE TO COPING WITH SCHOOL CLOSURES
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The Parents’ Guide to: Coping with school closures
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The Parents’ Guide to provides parents with the information they
05 40
need at GCSE and sixth form to help their teenage children create
successful futures.
Our online guides are designed to inform, involve and guide parental
support. They include the most up to date information on topics
Introduction Helping your child
such as apprenticeships, universities and revision techniques. study at home
This guide has been produced to support parents and schools during the coronavirus
outbreak. We give practical advice, however we are not medical professionals and
you should seek expert advice if needed. We make recommendations of what we
believe to be reliable sources to help you find further information but these organisa-
tions have not endorsed this guide.
2020-2021 London ©
www.theparentsguideto.co.uk 06
Coronavirus - the facts for
54
Protecting your child’s
you and your family mental health
Join us
If your interested in regular updates about other ways you can help
your teenage children, click here to join our mailing list
20
How to boost your child’s
69
Final Words
immune system
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The Parents’ Guide to Coping with school closures The Parents’ Guide to: Coping with school closures
Introduction
Concerns around the spread of • how you can help them study at home
coronavirus have escalated with and ensure they are staying on track
governments worldwide taking drastic with their work;
action to try to contain contamination. • how to protect their mental health; and
This has resulted in the recommendation • what to do if your family becomes
of school closures in the UK. As a parent, infected.
first and foremost you’ll want to keep
your children safe, and so it is no doubt Across the country schools have been
reassuring that the risk of infection will working hard at finding creative ways
be reduced by preventing large groups of to facilitate schooling from home. The
children being near one another. However, technology we have today makes this
you may have concerns about what much easier, with the ability to conduct
impact this will have on their schooling, live lessons online, create active groups
especially if they were due to take for Q&A, and to share assignments (and
examinations over the summer, and how return marked assignments) via email
this could affect their future. rather than having to hand it in personally.
That said, it is inevitable that your children
This free guide by The Parents’ Guide to won’t be getting the level of attention they
has been specifically written to cover the would get if they were at school, so how
basics around coronavirus, including: can you support them and their teachers
• how to protect you and your family; in trying to ensure they keep on top of
• what practical steps you can take to what they should be doing, rather than
boost your children’s immune system using the time at home as an unexpected
to help them stay healthy; holiday? We’ll guide you.
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The Parents’ Guide to: Coping with school closures The Parents’ Guide to: Coping with school closures
Coronavirus
– the facts for you and your family
What is it? How does it spread? How to avoid coronavirus
Covid-19 is a new illness that can affect Because it’s a new virus, experts aren’t
1. Wash your hands: The best way to 3. Bin used tissues immediately:
your lungs and airways. It’s caused by a certain, but it’s believed coronavirus
reduce the risk of getting coronavirus Put used tissues in the bin
virus called coronavirus. For most people, spreads like colds and flu – in droplets
is to wash hands thoroughly and immediately and wash your hands
contracting coronavirus is not serious produced by coughs or sneezes which
frequently with hand gel or soap. as soon as you can.
and will result in flu-like symptoms that can land on surfaces and get picked up
Always wash them when coming
will pass within a week or two and has no by other people. The germs can live on
indoors from outside, before 4. Minimize close contact with
long-term harmful effects. For vulnerable surfaces for several hours and the virus
preparing food and before eating. people: If you are not feeling well,
people with underlying health conditions, spreads when people pick up the germs
If you can’t wash your hands, use avoid close contact with people,
the very young or elderly, coronavirus and infect themselves by touching their
sanitizer gel if it is available or try to stay at least two metres away
can result in more serious symptoms mouth, nose or eyes and then further
antibacterial hand wipes. from them and don’t touch them.
and it may be necessary to hospitalize. spread the virus by touching other surfaces
At present, there’s no vaccine. and other people.
2. Don’t sneeze or cough into your 5. Do not touch your eyes, nose or
hands: Use a tissue (or your sleeve mouth if your hands are unclean.
if necessary) and cover your mouth
and nose.
I am interactive:
Learn more: Click me and I’ll take
you to their website
NHS WHO
Coronavirus Gov UK World Health
overview Organisation
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The Parents’ Guide to: Coping with school closures The Parents’ Guide to: Coping with school closures
How to wash your hands Getting your teen to wash Tissues
their hands properly Provide your children with packets of tissues
For many, washing hands means a quick so they can safely sneeze and cough as
rinse with a small amount of handwash necessary (or even offer one to someone
or soap rubbed between the palms. else who is less well prepared!). Unprotected
This will not be effective in removing coughs and sneezes can spread the virus
coronavirus. Hands needs to be washed for over comparatively long distances and will
approximately 20 seconds, washing all over create greater risk of spreading.
the hand, including front, back, around
fingers and thumbs. The Government
recommends singing two verses of Happy
Can I tell if someone has
Birthday to You to get approximately coronavirus?
the right length of washing time and Like many viruses, coronavirus has an
has provided a poster with step by step incubation period where there are no
instructions of what should be done. symptoms, but the virus is replicating inside
its host (the person who has got the virus).
It may not be easy to get your teenagers to This means that you can get coronavirus and
do this, but there’s a new website called feel absolutely fine and not show any signs
Wash your lyrics which could prove useful of being unwell. During this time, you can
– teens can download info graphics along spread the virus to others, so it’s important
with 20 seconds of their favourite song lyrics to take sensible precautions – both to avoid
to ensure they wash their hands properly. getting the virus and to avoid passing it on
when you may not realise you are infected.
Are face masks helpful? Be especially careful if you or your family
have travelled to an area known to have
There’s no evidence to indicate that masks an outbreak of coronavirus or if you
protect people from becoming infected; know you have spent time with someone
in fact, frequently touch the face to adjust who is infected. If this is the case, it is
masks can increase the risk of infection. recommended that you stay at home
A
hanpplica (“self-isolate”). More about that later.
d sa tion
nit of
iser
NHS
Wash your
Washing hands lyrics
video
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The Parents’ Guide to: Coping with school closures The Parents’ Guide to: Coping with school closures
Keep your distance
Try to get them to understand that
It’s recommended that you stay at least although coronavirus may not impact
two metres away from other people, often them as severely as it may some other
referred to as ‘social distancing’. This can people, the issue is that they may spread
be difficult for teenagers, who tend to stand the virus to someone else, potentially
very close to one another when in groups. from a vulnerable group. Remember
Try to emphasize the importance of: to explain to your child that you can’t
• avoiding face-to-face social events; always know whether someone has the
• saying no to visitors; virus, and so any face-to-face contact
• working and studying from home, with their friends could carry a risk of
where possible; and becoming infected and then spreading
• staying at least two metres away from the virus to the rest of their family.
others if you do need to leave the
house. For your child, not being able to see their
friends is likely to be incredibly frustrating
Making sure your child and upsetting. This could lead to adverse
behaviour or isolation from the rest of the
understands family. Speak with your child about how
It is vitally important that you get your they feel and use this as an opportunity
children to understand and comply with to acknowledge that you understand that
the government’s guidelines for social it’s frustrating for them, and that this is
distancing. This may not be easy and you a difficult time for everyone. Encourage
may experience some pushback from your them to explore other safe ways they
child, particularly as many young people might be able to interact with their
see coronavirus as something that is less friends, such as online.
problematic for their age range compared
with older people.
BBC
Video on social
distancing
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The Parents’ Guide to: Coping with school closures
IF YOU SUSPECT ONE OF YOU
HAS CORONAVIRUS, THE
WHOLE FAMILY MUST STAY
What are the symptoms of Do not go out (even for a walk) and do not go
AT HOME FOR AT LEAST 14 DAYS
to the doctor, chemist or hospital. There is no
coronavirus? need to take a test for coronavirus if you think
1. A high temperature you have the symptoms and can stay home.
2. A new, continuous dry cough (coughing
repeatedly) There is no specific treatment for viruses
and they do not respond to antibiotics;
If you feel unwell but are not experiencing in the majority of cases your body will be
either of the symptoms above, you may be able to fight the virus on its own. You can
ill, but are unlikely to have coronavirus. treat symptoms, so pain killers and other
remedies to alleviate sore throat, coughs and
What should I do if one of us temperature are fine. Drink plenty of water.
Ask family or friends to deliver anything you
has coronavirus? need (food or medicines) rather than going
The most important thing to do is to stay at out yourself. Avoid contact with them; ideally
home and try to keep as far away from others they should leave items on the door for you
as possible. This can be difficult when living to collect (rather than handing them over)
together, especially in a small space, or for and they shouldn’t come inside your home.
parents with small children, but do your best. If possible, sleep alone.
As we begin to learn more about the virus,
advice and guidance on what to do if you
get ill may change. The NHS provides relia-
ble information, which is updated regularly.
NHS NHS
Staying at Overview
home advice
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The Parents’ Guide to: Coping with school closures The Parents’ Guide to: Coping with school closures
What to do if someone becomes infected?
Don’t panic if someone (or all) of your Ask for help
family becomes infected. For most, the
illness will pass in a few days. However, all If you run out of essential supplies, ask
the family must stay at home for at least friends or family to deliver them, leaving
14 days (from the first day the first person them outside your door rather than coming
became ill) to avoid spreading the virus in. Do not go outside (other than in your
outside the home. own garden, if you have one). Do not invite
visitors into your home and do not open
the door to them either.
Treat symptoms
Treat symptoms with pain relief (paraceta- Keep clean
mol is recommended rather than ibupro-
fen), cool showers (if they have a fever), Keep surfaces clean, wiped down with
cold and flu remedies, drink plenty of anti-bacterial spray. Infected people should
water and have lots of rest. Wash hands clean surfaces every time they come into
frequently. Change bed linen and clothes or contact with them (such as the toilet, bath
pyjamas regularly. Your children should rest etc) and be specially mindful about surfac-
rather than trying to continue with studying es that people frequently come into contact
while they are ill, but can return to studies with, such as light switches, key pads,
when they feel better. remote controls, phones, door handles,
hand rails, chairs and table tops.
Keep your distance
Beat boredom
As far as possible, keep infected people
away from others within the home, Think what you can do while at home,
although bear in mind that once symptoms such as watching films, online learning,
show, they may have been infected for up cooking, playing games and reading. Keep
to two weeks already. If possible, sleep your mind healthy by practising relaxation
alone. Do not share cutlery (vulnerable techniques.
people should have their own cutlery, dried
with a different tea cloth).
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The Parents’ Guide to: Coping with school closures The Parents’ Guide to: Coping with school closures
When should I call 111? Keeping perspective
If you feel you cannot cope with your As the weather changes and
symptoms, your condition gets worse temperatures start to warm up, many of
or you do not see improvement within us get colds at this time of year. Also, for
seven days, get in contact with 111. First, some, it’s the onset of hay fever season.
use the online service where you will be Not all symptoms of feeling unwell will
taken step-by-step through a series of relate to coronavirus.
questions to assess what to do next.
Only telephone 111 if you are unable to
What can I do to help?
get help online. For most of us, family comes first.
However, if you can, do check on elderly
or vulnerable neighbours or friends who
may not have their own family support
NHS 111 networks to help them with shopping,
online dog walking or other chores if they need
to stay at home to protect themselves.
Click me to go
there now.
Much of this information in this chapter is sourced from The National Health
Guidelines, and we recommend you keep a close eye on their website to receive the
most up-to-date advice and information.
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The Parents’ Guide to: Coping with school closures
I am interactive:
Click me to go to the
NHS website
CORONAVIRUS:
PUBLIC
INFORMATION
The Government and NHS are well prepared
to deal with this virus.
You can help too.
Germs can live on some surfaces for hours.
To protect yourself and others:
• Always carry tissues with you and use them
to catch your cough or sneeze.
• Bin the tissue, and to kill the germs, wash your
hands with soap and water, or use a sanitiser gel.
• If you have arrived back from China within 14 days
follow the specific advice for returning travellers.
This is the best way to slow the spread of almost
any germs, including Coronavirus.
Find out more at gov.uk/coronavirus
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How to boost your child’s
immune system Mobiles, screens and sleep settling down to sleep and get them to
use night screen settings in the evening
Getting enough sleep can be severely to reduce glare (white light on bright
impaired by ready access to a 24/7 online screens prevent sleepiness).
community via their phones. You think
Being run-down means that our have a specific reason to get up in the it’s lights out, but they’re on the phone Phones should be set to silent at bedtime
immune system is not as effective as morning with no school, so make sure you under the duvet long after you’ve gone so that sleep is not interrupted by regular
it could be and it makes all of us more keep them in a healthy routine and not to bed. The simplest answer is to remove pinging with alerts and messages – if
likely to pick up infections. There allow them to stay up late into the night their phones overnight, but this doesn’t they have one, using the phone’s Do Not
are some simple steps you can take and sleep in long into the morning. Work teach them self-discipline. Do minimise Disturb setting is an easy way to do this
to improve your child (and family’s) backwards! If they should get up at 7.00 the number of screens they have in the automatically.
immune system, and here are our top am, then need to be asleep by 11.00 pm at bedroom, encourage them to have at
six tips. the latest – which probably means being least 30 mins screen-free time before
in bed much earlier.
1. Sleep Be firm about bedtime when they’re in
their mid-teens (or younger). At this stage TRY TO GIVE YOUR CHILD AT
Sleep is an essential element for optimum you can insist they go to bed at the right LEAST 30 MINS SCREEN-FREE
health, so make sure your child is getting time which should encourage them to TIME BEFORE BED
enough rest. Teenagers need a lot of stick to a similar routine when they reach
sleep given the huge changes taking place their late teens when it’s not so easy for
in their bodies – somewhere between you to tell them what to do. Even if they
eight and ten hours each night. Tempting are not asleep, being in bed in a calm
though it may be for them to stay up late environment (without looking at their
(whether studying or binge-watching box phones) will help to relax the body. It’s a
sets into the small hours), they will be difficult rule to enforce as your teens get
much better off settling down for an early older, but you can certainly encourage
night. This could prove tricky if they don’t them to do the right thing.
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A bedtime routine be, try to limit lie-ins at the weekend to
just an extra hour or so in bed. Long lie-ins
Creating a “bedtime” routine, such as disrupt their sleeping rhythm, making
switching the phone to silent, putting it harder for them to go to sleep at an
it away 30 minutes before bed, taking a appropriate time on Sunday night and
bath, having a hot drink and dimming consequently, making it harder for them
the lights can all help calm the mind and to wake up on time on Monday mornings.
prepare it for sleep. Sticking to a similar
routine every night signals to the body
that it is time for bed and helps it switch Be consistent
off so try to get your child into the habit Where possible, bedtimes and get-up
of doing the same things before bed and times should be similar from one day to
going to sleep at a similar time. Encourage the next allowing the body to synch to a
them to keep this up, because it also acts regular cycle. Make plans for mornings
as a trigger to reduce anxiety. so they have a reason to get up. As they
are not going to school (either through
If your children share a room, curtaining school closures or holidays) then try and
off their sleeping area helps give them get them to stick to healthy waking and
some personal space. sleeping times. Don’t allow them to get
into bad habits by sleeping in all morning
Avoid lie-ins – this will be a hard habit to break once it’s
formed.
At the other end of the day, try to set a
routine so they get up at a similar time
each morning and, hard though it may
Sleep Council
Blog
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2. Eating
Food is fuel for the body, so making Eating regularly Snacking will influence your child’s choices, so make
sure they eat at regular intervals with sure you have the right options at home.
plenty of healthy ingredients is vital. It’s important that teenagers eat at regular The temptation to eat sugary, highly
Try to ensure they have a healthy intervals to avoid peaks and dips in energy salted, unhealthy snacks to keep energy As your teenagers are growing up and
levels. Breakfast, lunch and dinner should levels up is not only bad for overall health getting more independent, they will be
breakfast (even if it is only cereal), a
be punctuated with healthy snacks. Be but can negatively impair their perfor- preparing food for themselves and it’s not
good lunch and a nutritious supper in careful at home that they are sticking to mance and ability to concentrate. Help
the evening. Where you can, prepare possible for you to watch what they are
regular mealtimes and not just snacking them make the right choices when they are eating every meal time. Remember, they
fresh food and give them a “rainbow continuously throughout the day. If possi- in a hurry by providing them with healthy are going to eat what you have available
diet”, including all the colours of the ble, sit down for a family meal together alternatives, such as fruit, nuts, yogurts, in the house, so if your fridge, freezer and
rainbow throughout the week; this at the end of each day (mobile and tablet smoothies and healthy snack bars. If cupboards are full of good options, that’s
naturally ensures they are getting the free!). Not only is this a fantastic lifestyle chocolate is a must, swap milk chocolate what they’ll reach for when they’re hungry.
right balance of vitamins and minerals. habit for them to take through to adult- for dark chocolate. This doesn’t mean
hood, it will also provide a break from being they can’t have an occasional treat, but Fast food, sweets, crisps and other treats
A balanced diet online and a chance to chat and share one it’s better to avoid eating high sugar and are absolutely fine, so long as they are a
another’s experiences that day. salty foods too often. The foods you have small part of an overall diet and not the
As well as their “five a day” (about a third available in your house, and what you eat, staple foods.
of the overall diet), everyone should have
some starchy carbohydrate (another third),
and the remaining third split between KEEP THE HOUSE STOCKED
protein and milk/dairy with a small amount WITH PLENTY OF HEALTHY
of fat. Ensure vegetarians and vegans SNACKS
are getting enough protein with plenty
of protein rich vegetables (such as peas,
sprouts, sweet corn, asparagus, broccoli
and avocado) as well as nuts, pulses and
beans.
Good food choices to maximise concen-
tration include green leafy vegetables,
herbs, oily fish and pulses so try to
include these as a regular part of their
diet – it will be good for the whole family
too! Fresh food is a better alternative to
pre-prepared foods and will help you
avoid panic buying large quantities of
long-life items that are packed with salt
and preservatives.
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COOKING TOGETHER IS A
GREAT WAY TO PASS TIME
Cook together WHILST STAYING INDOORS
Whilst it may not be possible every night, it’s
great if you can include some home-cooked
meals (from scratch) regularly throughout
the week. Not only is this much healthier Healthy snacks
and cheaper than buying ready-meals and shopping list:
takeaways, it’s one of the best lifestyle habits
to teach your child which they’ll benefit from
• Mixed nuts
throughout their adult life.
• Raisins
• Yoghurt
Cooking together provides a very good
• Fruit
opportunity to spend time together and
• Dried fruit
bond. It’s a non-pressurized space for them
• Popcorn
to talk to you about things that may be
• Rice cakes
troubling them without making it the central
• Flapjacks
focus – you can catch up on good news too.
• Dark chocolate
It gives you a chance to show them how to
• Carrot sticks
cook well-balanced food and gives them
• Cottage cheese
life skills to take when they leave home
• Kale chips
(whether that’s to go to work or go on to
• Hummus
further education). It also means that, with
• Eggs
enough practise, they’ll be able to create a
• Smoothies
family dinner, so the pressure isn’t all on you.
• Olives
As well as learning (or improving) a new skill,
• Peanut butter
lots of us find cooking fun, and it’s lovely to
• Avocado
share home-cooked dishes, so it’s a good
• Tuna
way to pass time if spending a lot of time at
home.
BBC Jamie Oliver NHS Tesco
Good Food Recipes Eatwell guide Budget recipes
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3. Hydration DRINK PLENTY OF WATER
THROUGHOUT THE DAY
The teenage body is made up of around Eight glasses a day
60% water. Not drinking enough water
Health experts recommend drinking at
reduces productivity, both mentally
least two litres of water a day. This equates
and physically, and symptoms can to roughly eight 250ml glasses.
include tiredness, confusion, reduced
energy levels and the temptation to
snack when not actually hungry (thirst
is often mistaken for hunger).
Have water on hand at all times
The best way to make sure your child is
drinking enough is to ensure they have
water on hand at all times – at their desk,
in bottles in their bag when on the go, and
served alongside food. Plain water is ideal,
but to add interest, use natural ingredients
to give flavour – such as cucumber, lemon,
lime, orange, tangerine, mint or ginger.
Other drinks
Natural fruit juices are great, but can
Alcohol
be high in natural sugar, so why not Alcohol can damage the immune system,
dilute them? Herbal teas or honey with reducing the body’s ability to protect
a dash of lemon offer hot, caffeine free itself against infection or fight off infec-
alternatives. Limit your child’s fizzy drink tion if compromised. Try to encourage
intake – whether calorie controlled or your teen to stay alcohol free. If they
not, including energy drinks. They are all must drink, an occasional beer or glass of
unhealthy if drunk in large quantities. wine with food is fine, with the emphasis
on occasional and just one.
NHS British Nutrition
Live Well Foundation
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Caffeine intake
Watch their caffeine intake Lots of products high in caffeine are
available in health food shops which can
Caffeine indicator 330 mg
Caffeine is present in coffee, tea, energy give the impression that they’re good for Amount of caffeine per a cup
drinks and chocolate so keep an eye on wellbeing but, like many things, can be
how much of these your child consumes. harmful if taken in large quantities.
On average, adults shouldn’t consume
more than 400mg of caffeine a day and
adolescents should have much less. Effects of caffeine
Caffeine affects us in different ways, and
Energy shots are often very high in caffeine different people are more sensitive to it
and a firm favourite with teens. Drinks with than others. Too much caffeine can result 215 mg
high caffeine (more than 150mg per litre) in loss of sleep, loss of energy, low mood
need to show this on the label, although and low concentration – the opposite of
it is not always clear – and it doesn’t apply what’s needed to study well. Caffeine is
to drinks bought in coffee shops. Many also long lasting, so drinking caffeine-high 135 mg
energy drinks don’t necessarily have huge drinks (or eating high caffeine foods) in
percentages of caffeine, but they are served the afternoon can still impact on your
in large volumes (half litre cans/bottles) so child’s ability to sleep that night. If possi-
the amount of caffeine your child is drink- ble, get them to avoid it completely from
ing is a lot, whereas a small glass of the lunchtime as a year-round rule. 95 mg
same product would be fine.
88 mg
Grande Starbucks coffee
55 mg
Energy shot (5-hour)
40 mg
Instant coffee
Filter coffee
20 mg
Diet Coke
Black tea
Red Bull
Green
tea
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4. Being active
Being active is a key component in inclined to be active, being at home could
healthy living – both for mental and prove an excuse for stopping all exercise.
physical health. If you can arrange some Try not to let this happen, even if they are
outdoor activities with your child this just going out for a walk. Of course, lots of
will not only give you some quality time group activities may be suspended (park
together, it will ensure they are getting runs, swimming, team sports etc) so there
out in nature, taking a break from being may be limitations on what they can do,
online and getting some exercise. Active but try to ensure they are not spending
hobbies release “happy” hormones that all day, every day sitting indoors and not
are fantastic for regulating mood, promot- getting outside.
ing self-confidence and reducing stress.
Of course, this does not apply if they
This is especially important if they are suspect they have coronavirus. In that
home schooling. Schools are very mindful case, they absolutely cannot go out (not
about ensuring a balance of physical even for a walk) but, if you have a garden,
activities mixed in with academic studies they can go outside (although not with
and, particularly if your child is not other family members).
Darebee YOUTUBE FIIT
Make your channels e.g.
Workout body work Free and paid
database The Body Coach online classes
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5. Don’t stress TAKE A BREAK FROM
WORRIES BY DOING SOMETHING
YOU ENJOY
We’ve got a chapter dedicated to staying Being online
resilient and managing stress later in this
guide because it’s so important to health Online resources are great for staying
and wellbeing, but it’s worth a mention up-to-date and getting the latest informa-
here too. The rapid and far-reaching tion, but they are also a magnet for alarm-
developments of coronavirus have ist stories and scaremongering, especially
resulted in sudden, dramatic life-style amongst social media where articles and
changes for most people and this can opinions are widely shared without first
cause anxiety for adults and children alike. checking for accuracy. Check what your
children are reading online and enforce
regular breaks so they are not barraging
Adjusting to change themselves with information (or possibly
Lots of things we have previously taken misinformation) through every waking
for granted have changed, including our minute.
usual routines: most of us are now school-
ing or working from home; we have been Take care of their physical health by making
advised to avoid using public transport; sure they eat well, get plenty of sleep
cafes and restaurants are closed; and and stay active. Also, adopt practises to
most large gatherings (sports, festivals and improve their mental health and reduce
concerts) have been cancelled. Walking feelings of panic, such as deep breathing,
on, or driving through, previously busy but meditating and spending time in a soothing
currently deserted streets feels strange. environment. We’ve got lots more tips on
relaxation techniques in our chapter about
So the first thing to do is make sure protecting your child’s mental health.
you know the facts so you can provide
reassurance. Talk to your children and Get talking
explain what’s happening. For most
people, coronavirus will result in a Importantly, stay connected. We may not
short-term temporary illness from which be able to attend social gatherings and
they will fully recover; however, it is very get together, but we can stay in touch
contagious which is why strict measures with those we love using social media,
have been put in place to reduce the risk messaging and telephone calls. It’s very
of people passing it on to one another, important to do this, as isolation and the
especially those in vulnerable groups. possible over-thinking without distraction,
is very poor for mental wellbeing.
Page 34 www.theparentsguideto.co.uk Page 35The Parents’ Guide to: Coping with school closures
6. Good hygiene
The message about properly washing 3. cleaning their teeth daily for two
your hands can’t be missed with the minutes, at least in the morning and
coronavirus and it’s an important thing to before bed, but more frequently if
do in maintaining overall good health, so possible – and flossing regularly; and
be sure they wash their hand whenever 4. wearing clean clothes.
they come in from outside and always
before preparing or eating food (see page Make sure towels and bed linen are
7 for more info). changed regularly so they are always
fresh and clean. If one of your family gets
In addition, make sure your children are coronavirus (or other infection), do not
following these basic steps: allow them to share towels. Where possi-
1. taking a daily shower; ble, dry washing outside in the sunshine,
as this is a better way to kill bacteria than
2. washing their hair with shampoo (at
drying them in the home or tumble dryer.
least weekly);
Join us
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Help your child study at home
Routine is important in creating a sense of Study timetable Home timetable periods and suddenly find yourselves all
certainty, and most people feel uncomforta- together at home, almost all the time.
ble if their routines are upset. Recent events Your child’s school will have provided Try to set breakfast, dinner, family time, Everyone needs time out, so try to include
have disrupted many regular routines, so do them with a new timetable to help them family activities at similar times to create this too. As far as you can, don’t encourage
what you can to reinstate a sense of certainty cover their course-work whilst studying stability and familiarity. This enables some your teen to take mealtimes in their room
by establishing clear patterns for your new from home. This may include live online together time, and an opportunity to talk or in front of the television – make meal
working environment. This is particularly lessons and dedicated time periods for about thoughts or concerns, but also times an occasion. The exception to this is
important now that children can no longer online chat with specific subject teachers. enables “alone” time throughout the day. vulnerable people if someone within the
attend school and have no clear information However, they will have much more This is very important if you are not used home is infected and they cannot move
about when their schools will re-open. In unsupervised study time than usual and to being together as a family for extended out elsewhere.
so far as you can, try to help them keep a it’s important they make the most of it.
routine similar to what they would have at School will have suggested what they
school: including study times, breaks (includ- should do and set assessments, but some
ing rest and activity) and regular meal times. children are better than others at follow-
ing instructions and not getting distracted.
If your child was due to take exams this
summer, there’s a risk they will lack motiva- Where you can, keep an eye on them to
tion to study now that exams have been check they are staying on track and not
cancelled. However, it’s still important that spending the majority of the day chatting
they do as much work as they can whilst they on social media, watching TV or surfing the
are at home. Schools will have set assign- internet. This is not only important for their
ments to help them stay on track (and these studies, but also for their mental health
may form part of a non-exam assessment) so – bombardment of fast-changing news
it’s vital they keep focused if they can. Here’s headlines could become overwhelming.
some suggestions of how you can help. We’ll give some tips on how you can help
your child study later in this section.
If you are a key worker, things are likely
to be different for you and your children.
Read the latest guidance from the
government.
Gov.UK Thank you for everything you are doing to
Teentips Guidance for help us all get through this crisis.
key workers
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WORK WITH YOUR CHILD TO
FIND A CALM SPACE TO
REVISE
Finding the right space However, when doing their own assign-
ments there can be greater flexibility about
Hopefully they will already have an appro- times of use, and many resources can
priate place to study, but if it’s a shared be read on phones. Introduce a family
space and there are lots of you working / timetable for laptop sharing and place it
studying at home, help them find a calm somewhere where everyone can see it (for
space to study. Things to consider are example the fridge door) so the rules are
noise levels, lighting, ability to store their clear. Make sure the laptop/pc (especially
papers tidily, and not being disturbed keyboard) is wiped down between users.
by other family members (especially if
sharing a bedroom and lots of the family
are forced to stay at home). People have Improve time management
different needs, for some, background Creating regular activities at regular times
music is helpful to studying, for others of the day will help your child take breaks
it’s a distraction so try to have zones in from studying as well as improve their
the house for noise and zones for quiet. time-management skills by having to
Earbuds are great if two children are organise study around these times. It will
sharing the same space and one wants give them structure and routine. This is
to listen to music and the other doesn’t. always important, but especially when
Bear in mind visual distractions too. Don’t there is so much uncertainty in the news.
have televisions playing in every room all
day. Different locations can help some
children, so rather than always working Bedroom
in their bedroom, they might like to use A calm environment can encourage sleep,
the dining room, or living area from time so make sure their room is a comfortable
to time. Give your child space to find out temperature; their linen is fresh, clean and
what works best for them. cosy; they have blackout blinds/curtains to
reduce light in summertime (or eyeshades
Shared laptops if that’s not possible) and that it is quiet.
Of course, you can’t be responsible for
Not everyone has their own laptop or whether or not they keep their room tidy
tablet, so you may need to introduce a (although you can try to encourage it)
sharing rota within the home. Schools but it is proven that a calm, uncluttered
will likely introduce some live lessons at environment helps relaxation. If they have
specific times of the day when teachers their own room, try to allow them to keep
are available for online chat, so it would this as personal space, avoid going into
be important for your children to be able their rooms to chat or catch up, save that
to access these live resources if possible. for when the family is in shared spaces.
Page 42 www.theparentsguideto.co.uk Page 43The Parents’ Guide to: Coping with school closures
Taking a break Ideas for breaks
Encourage your child to:
It’s vital for effective study and mental listening to music, watching TV. Try to have
wellbeing that your child takes regular some fun times as a family too – playing • Get creative, such as painting,
breaks (both long and short) – without games together might inject some much
puzzling, sewing or drawing
feeling guilty! needed levity and laughter at home. Doing
something enjoyable gives the brain a • Get active, such as completing an
Short breaks chance to switch off, refocus and assimi-
late information, it’s an important way to
online workout class
When helping them create a home-schooling find an appropriate work-play balance to • Get some fresh air by taking a walk
timetable around the structure as set out by ensure a productive and happy life in the or sitting in the garden
their school, ensure they factor in five or ten long term. Try and help them ensure their
minute breaks within 30 or 60 minute study breaks include a variety of different activ- • Go screen-free and read a book or
sessions. Short bursts of studying produce ities so that they are not always doing the magazine
much better results than long stretches. Even same thing during breaks.
if they have to study all day or all evening, • Interact with friends and family
they should not do more than an hour at a
time without having a short rest.
Taking a day off through social media
From time to time, we all need to take a • Relax by taking a bath, watching an
Long breaks break. The events of the past few weeks
have been very stressful. When things get
episode of their favourite TV series or
listening to some music
It’s important for them to take time out and tough, it can sometimes be helpful to step
do things they enjoy. There are currently away from the problem and revisit it with a • Refuel by preparing a healthy snack
restrictions (in some places greater than calm mind and renewed outlook rather than and eating it away from their desk or
others), so some of their favourites ways to struggle on. If your child needs some time computer
wind down are probably off limits (seeing to adjust to how things have changed, give
their friends, attending a festival, going to them a little space. You will know whether
the cinema, watching sporting events) but they need a rest or are making an excuse to
there are still other options, such as watch- do nothing. That said, they should maintain
ing a film at home, catching up with friends a typical school working week during term
(even if only by social media or the phone), time, even if they are not physically able to
going out for a walk, playing online games, attend school as soon as they can.
Gov.UK The Body Coach
Taskmaster
Find your local TV Daily challenge
park Facebook
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Helping your child with home schooling
Learning types indeed, some styles overlap), some children
Auditory
(and as adults later) will exhibit a preference
Don’t worry that you are not an expert in for one style over another – it just seems to
their school subjects, there’s still lots you make learning easier for them. If you haven’t Auditory learners prefer to listen and speak, so they should
can do to help your child continue their already, identify what learning style works work around these themes:
schooling at home. best for your child and help them construct 1. listening to pod casts and audio books where the infor-
revision around this learning style to make mation they should learn is spoken aloud;
Every child works differently and what works study sessions more productive and less
2. joining study groups so they can listen and talk over
for one child may not work at all for another. boring. If they have a preference for digesting
However, in broad terms, there are four differ- information in a specific way, it will be more ideas with others;
ent learning styles and, whilst using a combi- interesting and stimulating for them. 3. listen to speakers/teachers/lecturers whether in live
nation of these styles can be effective (and sessions or online;
4. engage with you by talking, discussing and explaining
what they know;
5. using sound and music to help them learn;
Visual Learners 6. teaching (or pretending to teach) others to demonstrate
Visual learners prefer colour and pictures, so they should work knowledge;
around these themes: 7. speaking answers to past papers aloud.
1. make their notes colourful, with different colour pens,
paper, highlighters and post-its;
2. use images and pictures instead of words;
3. use maps and charts where possible; Tactile Learners
4. adapt text to flow charts; For others, their preferred method of learning is through
5. express change and ideas in diagrams; action or movement. This is good for practical areas, such
6. use doodles when note taking. as experiments in science and drama, but can require a little
extra imagination to help them translate theory to practice.
1. Where possible, do the activity themselves (cooking,
carpentry, design);
Reading writing 2. Use real life examples to help them understand abstract
For some, the traditional method of reading and writing still concepts;
works best, so they should work around these themes: 3. Take frequent breaks to enable them to be active;
1. Take lots of notes (both during lessons and during study); 4. Use art and drawing to help memorize ideas and themes;
2. Re-write notes in different styles; 5. Study in groups and act out the material;
3. Do lots of practice papers; 6. Make study sheets and flash cards to help memorize
4. Use post-it notes to emphasis key points; information;
5. Use highlighters to make important items stand out; 7. Watching videos of people doing the activity (when they
6. Read books, online articles, magazines and their own notes. can’t do it themselves).
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Ways to help
Practise and repetition Timed exams / questions
If you have the time and it’s something Even if your child is not taking examina-
they’d find helpful, give them the chance tions this summer, they will still benefit
to recite, repeat and practise what from completing a number of past exam
they’ve learnt with you. Even if you don’t questions. Help them prepare by creating
know the answers, the opportunity to an environment that resembles the
say out loud what’s in their mind can conditions they would experience in the
help clarify whether they have grasped exam hall - minimise external sounds,
the concepts or whether they are still setup a clear desk and if you can, locate
hazy. This style of revising might not a single clock to encourage your child to
appeal to those who prefer reading/ time manage under test conditions. Once
writing, but it’s especially useful to aural the allocated time has come to an end,
and tactile learners. get your child to stop writing as they may
be tempted to continue. If they did not
finish get them to reflect on the reasons
why. Do they need to do more revision,
improve their time management or work
on their exam technique?
Act as the student
Encourage your child to speak through
their subject knowledge. By taking on
the role of the student, ask your child to
explain a topic from one of their subjects.
Listen carefully and don’t be afraid to
ask them a question if you do not fully
understand what they are saying. Studies
have shown that one of the best ways to As well as our recommendations, don’t forget to check in with your
revise is by teaching others. child’s school to get resources they recommend too. They’ve done lots of
work to get the most relevant links for their school subjects.
Other ways you might be able to help is
using quizzes, mind maps, white boards,
multiple choice or sound bites to see
what they’ve learned. Amazing BBC Revision
Educational Bitesize World
Resources
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Memory Motivating them to study
Research shows the amount of information Don’t be tempted to use bribery (such as
we remember depends on how we receive financial incentives or exemption from
it. Most people only remember 10% of chores) to get them to study. They are
what they have read for the first time, doing this for them, not you! Whether they
whereas they will remember three times are taking examinations or not, they will
more if they have watched a demonstra- likely have to demonstrate their knowledge
tion. It’s a good idea for your child to use in a variety of ways. Encourage them to be
lots of different ways of reviewing the same motivated by helping them visualise how
information which will help them remem- their revision and work are connected to
ber more over longer periods of time. their goals and ambitions and rewarding
Trying different ways will also help them them when they work hard with treats such
discover which work best for them. Use this as making their favourite dinner or watch-
in combination with their preferred learn- ing a film together.
ing style (page 46) for maximum effect.
Examinations and class assignments and teacher
input. This is why the work your child
There will be no examinations in May does between now and the end of the
or June this year. The Government academic year is important. To find
advises that students will still get their out more, click here.
qualifications, both in academic and
vocational settings, without them If your child was due to take examina-
being disadvantaged. Their qualifi- tions this summer, such uncertainty is
cation grades will be decided by a likely to make them anxious so read
combination of their predicted grades, on to find guidance on protecting your
mock examination results, coursework child’s mental health.
I’m interactive!
Click me to go to
my website
GOV UK
Guidance on cancellation of GCSEs, AS and A levels in 2020
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EXPERIENCING SOME ANXIETY
Protect your child’s mental health IS NORMAL BUT NOT IF YOUR
CHILD IS ANXIOUS ALL THE TIME
We’re already mentioned it, but we’ll Prolonged periods or bouts of intense
repeat it here in case you missed it earlier. anxiety have a negative impact, but there
Staying resilient and managing stress is are lots of ways you can help them manage
very important to health and wellbeing this anxiety and use routines to help keep
and there are proven techniques you can them calm. If you haven’t introduced
use to reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. them to some of these techniques already,
we’ve included some suggestions over the
It’s perfectly natural for your child to be next few pages. If you and your family find
worried during these uncertain times, yourself spending more time at home and
and that’s likely to be increased if they aren’t already using some of these ideas
were meant to be taking exams over the for relaxation, it’s a great time to learn and
summer – you are probably worried too! will put you on positive footing for lifelong
In small doses, anxiety can be a good healthy habits.
thing: helping your child to focus, get
motivated and even recall facts they were In some cases there can be times when
unaware they’d learnt. anxiety reaches exceptional levels and
professional support is required. We’ve
provided some guidance on how you can tell
the difference and where you can reach out.
Page 54 www.theparentsguideto.co.uk Page 55The Parents’ Guide to: Coping with school closures The Parents’ Guide to: Coping with school closures
Coronavirus specifically
Adjusting to change we know it at the moment is not normal. Being online stay active. Also, adopt practises to improve
This is not to say that you shouldn’t strive their mental health and reduce feelings of
The rapid and far-reaching developments to introduce new structure and routines Online resources are great for staying up-to- panic, such as deep breathing, meditating
of Coronavirus have resulted in sudden, to create as much normality as possible, date and getting the latest information, but and spending time in a soothing environ-
dramatic life-style changes for most but recognising that things are different they are also a magnet for alarmist stories ment. We’ve got lots more tips on relaxa-
people and this can cause anxiety for helps make that adjustment sooner. and scaremongering, especially amongst tion techniques later in this chapter.
adults and children alike. Remember also, these changes are social media where articles and opinions
temporary. Make sure you know the facts are widely shared without first checking Importantly, stay connected. We may not
Lots of things we have previously taken
so you can provide reassurance. for accuracy. Check what your children are be able to attend social gatherings and
for granted have changed, including
reading online and enforce regular breaks get together, but we can stay in touch with
our usual routines: most of us are now
so they are not barraging themselves with
schooling or working from home; we Get talking information (or possibly misinformation)
those we love using social media, messag-
ing and telephone calls. It’s very important
have been advised to avoid using public
Talk to your children and explain what’s through every waking minute, as this can to do this, as isolation and the possible
transport (lots of stations have been shut
happening and listen to how they feel. result in reinforcing panicky feelings. over-thinking without distraction, is very
with a reduced service operating); cafes
Their perspective and concerns are unlikely Take care of their physical health by making poor for mental health.
and restaurants are closed; and most
to be aligned with your priorities, so find sure they eat well, get plenty of sleep and
large gatherings (sports, festivals and
concerts) have been cancelled. Walking out what’s worrying for them. Help them
understand that for most people, corona-
on, or driving through, previously busy
virus will result in a short-term temporary
TALK TO YOUR CHILDREN
but currently deserted streets feels AND LISTEN TO HOW THEY
strange. Teenagers may be especially illness from which they will fully recover;
anxious about not being able to see their however, it is very contagious which is why FEEL
friends often, if at all. strict measures have been put in place to
reduce the risk of people passing it on to
So the first thing to do is to acknowledge one another and to try and avoid everyone
that things have changed and that life as being ill at the same time.
I’m interactive!
Click me to go to
my website
BBC
Mental Health
Managing mental Foundation
health
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Signs of anxiety and stress • Talking over and over the same concern
and being unable to either stop thinking
It’s good to be aware of the signs of about it or to find relief;
anxiety and stress so you can watch out for • Physical symptoms (sweaty palms,
them. A change in behaviour for a day or shaking, fast heartbeat, aching muscles);
two might be nothing to worry about, but if • Restlessness and being unable to stay
you notice a regular change, then it’s usual- still;
ly a sign that something is wrong. Some of • Inability to concentrate (such as
the more common signs of anxiety include: taking in what’s happening in a TV
• Losing interest in things they’ve previ- programme);
ously enjoyed; • Panic attacks;
• Behaving in the opposite way to usual – • Not sleeping.
quiet children can become very chatty,
chatty children can get withdrawn; Remember to keep perspective. If they
• Being grumpy and irritable; have had several late nights, they are likely
• Lots of headaches and digestive to be tired and this increases irritability. If
problems (stomach aches, diarrhoea, they’ve been exercising, they might have
constipation, vomiting etc); aching muscles. If they’ve just run to meet
• Worrying all the time, this can show itself you, they’ll have a fast heart rate. Individual
in only picturing negative outcomes or a short-term combination of the above
(what if I fail, I’m going to fail, I can’t do symptoms are normal.
this);
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