There’s still at least a month to go until schools re-open as Lockdown 3.0 eases. We’ve rounded up three of our very own Homeschooling Heroes from the Women in PR committee to share their survival tips on how to rise to this personal and professional challenge, or simply just ‘share’ so our members know they are not alone.

Jane, Jennifer and Charlie are all in senior comms roles by day and are also homeschool teachers… erm by day.

Jane Fordham, Founder, Jane Fordham Consulting

During home schooling round 1, I experienced daily nose bleeds and recurring ‘digestive unpleasantness’ thanks to the gut-wrenching anxiety and impossible task of running a business, being COO of a household and a hideously underqualified teacher.

This time, the kids (9 and 11 now) are more used to it and our school has been great. But it’s still so hard. We’ve done five weeks so far and we’ve got at least that still to go.

I don’t have a golden bullet I’m afraid but I did learn last year to lower my expectations, put one foot in front of the other, and celebrate the small wins. Now I’m reveling in the little pleasures of our current predicament, like regular cuddles to counter Zoom fatigue and lunchtime family table tennis or basketball.

This juggle is emotionally draining and a shocking productivity thief to say nothing of the impact of the social isolation on both adults and kids. My advice? Remember we’re being asked to do the impossible, just staying upright is a kickass achievement.

Jennifer Thomas, Communications Consultant, GSK

Having a routine has helped us all settle bedtime and waking time pretty much as when they were in school.

I block out time in my work diary in the morning when I don’t have any meetings so I can help with going through the lesson of day with them. Then they can finish independently while I go back to work.

I reward them with game time – and I don’t judge myself for it. It keeps them happy and busy when the work is done and I can then focus on my job.

I decided the kids won’t do any homework on the weekends so there is a physical break from school and I also ensure I do something for me – however small – a few nights a week so I get a break too.

Charlie Mulock, Director, Hope&Glory

 I have a five-year-old in reception at primary school, and a 22-month-old at nursery.

My advice is don’t put undue pressure on yourself, you can only do what you can do. This will end, its ‘just a phase’ as us mothers like to say. I actually put that on a post-it note on my desk to remind me!

I recommend over-communicating to your team, and tell them when you won’t be free, or when you will be able to look at work – they are not mind readers, and they have an awful lot on their plate too, so tell them your movements so they can work around it. Also, have a joint calendar with your husband/ wife/ partner so that they can see when you are in meetings and you don’t clash (necessary when you have small person roaming about the house). We have a ‘screens off’ at 9pm policy – unless it’s a pitch then go all night if you need to!

Monday to Friday I do very easy suppers like tray bakes or jacket potatoes or get a Mindful Chef or Cook box a few nights a week, because let’s face it after a long day sat in front of a screen you don’t want to have to concoct something in the kitchen.

Say no to meetings, say no to taking on extra tasks if you can, this is not a normal situation. if you are already juggling lots of meetings, lessons, projects then try to streamline the day. Tell your team members without home schooling commitments that you need them to step in or step up. Meanwhile tell yourself sometimes you have to lose control and trust it will be ok.

The thing I feel most guilty about is too much screen time so that I can work, but I have had to make myself park it and just go with the flow. If they want to watch two Disney movies back-to-back then just let them, they will be back to school before we know it… THEY WILL!!