How to juggle your writing and teaching commitments

Here are a few tips for those of you trying to write while home schooling.

It is tough, there is a reason why we do not do this without planning, support and special training. Writing on its own is stressful enough, but now the children are home, and we are all pulling our hair out and feeling guilty for not being able to cope. Please, try not feel guilty and do not try to do too much.

We hope our tips help, if not there is always wine and a hot bubble bath!

Embrace a relaxed attitude towards teaching or alternatively plan out every moment of your day. Whichever works for you and your family.

You can roll with whatever each day might bring or have an action plan ready for each day. But remember, if things don’t go the way you planned, make the most of what you are able to accomplish and pick up any abandoned tasks the following day.

Break your writing/working efforts into manageable chunks – do not try to work for hours on end, it will not happen. Choose your moments and choose them wisely. If you manage to write a page, uninterrupted. Feel like a winner.

Set your priorities but do not worry if you have to change them. The sudden call of, “The internet isn’t working.” …. Or, “I don’t get it.” Will mean you need to rethink what you are doing. But try not to panic, take a deep breath and count to 10. Give older children a book where they can write down questions to ask later, then give them a time that they can sit down and chat with you. Let children know they are your priority but that you must try to get some work done as well.

Share tasks and ask for help. Children do not just learn from books, doing a wash, cooking a simple meal or even cleaning the bath is learning how to do things for themselves and helps them to be ready to be adults.

Schedule breaks for you and the kids. Go for a walk, a bike ride or just a wander in the garden for a few minutes. Open a book and read together, watch a show, play a game. Relax. It is important.

Make the most of online resources, they can be a life saver. YouTube, websites and even zooming with another family member can get you a few minutes of peace, without feeling like a neglectful parent.

Leave out things for them to do, in case they finish their work or need a break, put out playdough, paper and pens, Lego, a few toys or other things they like to do.



Plan stress-free meals. While you will try to do everything, clean, cook, teach, work, and be on top of all the tasks that need to be done. It is almost impossible, so freeze stuff, pre-cook things, use slow cookers, do not worry too much about how many snacks they are eating or that they are not getting enough fruit. You are doing your best, you are brilliant.

But mostly remember to communicate, let children know what is expected, what the day will bring and when you are able to help them. Do not be afraid to say, “I do not know,” and then look the answer up together. There will be tears, there will be tantrums and there will probably be arguments but there can also be laughter, smiles and fun. If you can go with the flow and realise this is an unprecedented situation. You are doing great!