Home School Juggling
Home schooling starts back tomorrow, and is it just me or is anyone else sort of dreading it, but also longing for the structure after a few crazy weeks of holiday?
If I’m honest, our first week of homeschool was great. The schools hadn’t officially closed yet, so I just tried to wing it. We did our own PE, then I made up some maths challenges for each of our three children, all at different levels. I made up stories and got them to write, or draw, about them, and we also did some reading.
It was fun and relaxed. Week one of being off school was a novelty for us all!
When Homeschooling Became Overwhelming
Sadly, it didn’t exactly continue like that.
By week two, the schools had officially closed, and the incredible teachers had worked so hard to give us tasks, homework and topics to learn about. Honestly, it was amazing what they were able to send over to us.
I, however, was completely overwhelmed.
I had one laptop, which was also now my home-working office, and one iPhone. The kids didn’t have phones, iPads or laptops because we had been trying to limit their use of technology while they were still so young.
I found the following weeks before the Easter holidays very challenging. The children really wanted to get all their work done, but it felt impossible unless we all spent the entire day in front of the laptop.
So, I did about half of what was due in. The kids were fine, happy and outside having fun, yet I was completely stressed about them falling behind and spending too much time in front of screens.
How Change & Stress Can Affect Children
I think I was so overwhelmed with the actual schoolwork that I didn’t stop to think about how much the children themselves must be missing.
They had been away from school for five weeks and were really missing their friends. I’m sure they were also missing their much calmer and more qualified teachers, who actually knew what they were doing, unlike me!
They were probably missing the help they gave to and received from classmates, the playground, the jokes and silliness in class and all the little things that make school feel normal.
It made me think a lot about children with sensitive skin during a period of so much change and uncertainty.
Some children may have tantrums. Some may seem completely relaxed and not notice the change very much at all. For others, stress can show up in different ways, including disrupted sleep, restlessness or changes in their skin.
Supporting Children with Sensitive or Eczema-Prone Skin
Some children who have experienced eczema in the past may find that stress, changes in routine or disrupted sleep coincide with flare-ups.
If this happens, keeping their skincare routine simple and gentle can help.
A lukewarm bath can be a calm part of the evening routine, giving them time to relax and helping dry skin feel softer and more comfortable.
You can also read more about gentle routines for baby and children’s sensitive skin.
Avoid very hot water and aggressive rubbing of dry or eczema-prone areas. Pat the skin dry gently afterwards.
If eczema becomes particularly sore, cracked, weeping or difficult to manage, speak to a GP, pharmacist or dermatologist.
Teenage Stress & Breakouts
Teenagers may also find that exam uncertainty, study pressure and being unable to socialise with friends affect their skin.
Stress does not cause every breakout, but it can sometimes coincide with changes in acne-prone skin.
Rather than scrubbing or adding lots of new products, keeping the routine simple can be a better approach.
A short seaweed facial can be used as part of a gentle cleansing routine, while regular water intake, sleep and giving the skin a break from heavy makeup may also help keep things simple.
For more guidance, visit our page on acne-prone, rosacea-prone and sensitive skin.
Finding a Better Homeschooling Routine
So, I’m here this evening wondering how I’m going to approach homeschooling moving forward.
I’m going to try to stick to a more structured routine because I believe both I and the children need that.
We will endeavour to do as much schoolwork as possible, but we will also make time to relax and have fun.
I’m not a teacher. I could never be a teacher, so I have to stop trying to be one.
Instead, I need to go back to what I can do: create a safe environment where we can learn a little, enjoy the day and get through this unusual period together.
Remember to Look After Yourself Too
On the days when the stress gets the better of me, I’ll remember to take some time out.
That might mean a bath once everyone is in bed, a short facial at lunchtime or simply some afternoon downtime where everyone reads quietly and I get a few minutes to think and recharge.
We all need to remember that this isn’t easy for anyone.
Trying to homeschool, work, keep everyone fed and somehow stay sane is a challenge.
Maybe I can start by putting a little less pressure on the schooling and, who knows, we might even achieve more and have more fun in the process.
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Published April 2020
DISCLAIMER
The information on this website is not a substitute for medical advice and is provided for educational purposes only. Please consult your healthcare practitioner if you have concerns about persistent or severe skin symptoms. Before applying a new product to the skin, consider carrying out a patch test first.
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