How To Help Your Child Cope With The Academic Uncertainty Of Lockdown

February 19, 2021

• Advice for Parents
• / Effective Revision

It is increasingly frustrating for children and their parents alike that the only certainty at the moment is, unfortunately, uncertainty due to the lockdown. With the state of the pandemic changing frequently, none are affected by this more so than children. Whether it be the closure of schools, the cancellation of exams, or the almost total isolation from friends and family, children are having their lives interrupted and changed at a stage that is so crucial to their development and education. We have put together a few small points which could help you manage this lockdown feeling of academic uncertainty with your children, and provide some help through this period of isolation.

Try to accept what is out of your hands.

One of the most difficult things for children to process is that aspects of their academic life which are normally within their control, are simply out of their hands. This may be with regards to public exams and revision, or simply with planning mundane tasks such as when to do homework. It can be immensely helpful for children to accept this uncertainty, and focus instead on making as good decisions as possible in the circumstances, whether it be focusing on daily reading or methods of revision and exam preparation.

Stick to a routine

One thing which children will have some control over (to varying degrees), is their daily routine.  To work in certain places and at certain times regularly can help ease the feeling of uncertainty, and make this whole situation feel a little less alien.

Connect with their peers

One of the most important benefits of connecting with peers is that it can provide reassurance that we are all in this together, and that they are not the only ones facing uncertainty and stress. This is not to diminish the uncertainty they are feeling, but rather provide comfort in the knowledge that their peers are not managing to make decisions or plan their futures with greater ease.

Help children to understand that this is a temporary interruption to their studies

It can be easy, with such great uncertainty, to feel like this lockdown is never going to pass. It is essential however that children understand that their lives are not always going to be like this, and that they will again return to school or go to university as they should. Hang in there!

Try to find a good balance between academic life and relaxation

With all of us spending the majority of our lives at present in the same place, it can be hard to find a good balance between work and play, whether that be an inability to switch off properly, or a difficulty in battling the temptation to turn on the TV or scroll through social media. Encourage children to find this balance, as it can help to provide focus in the time allotted for academic work.

We hope that these suggestions help families navigate this difficult time in education. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with one of our team if you have any questions or would like to discuss anything further.