Working and homeschooling is no easy feat but many Highlanders are making the most of a challenging situation.
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Under NSW regulations homeschooling is encouraged although schools are still open for essential workers and children at risk.
A staged return to school for two days a week from May 11 is also in the pipeline.
We share one families experience with this scenario in the latest story on education during the COVID-19 restrictions.
Owner of a hairdressing salon, Gossip in Mittagong, Liz Stokes said that the challenge of both parents working while trying to home school her three children "was real".
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Her husband, Taylor, is also full time self-employed.
Liz is first to admit that "I am not the best teacher."
She added that the logistics of working and home schooling was not easy while "still trying to keep a business alive."
The couple have three daughters. Emily is in Year 5 and Lucy is in Year 3 at Mittagong Public School.
The youngest, Ivy, has just returned to pre-school this week (from May 4).
As far at Liz is concerned there are some key questions that are at the forefront of her thoughts when it comes to homeschooling with parents who work full time.
"How do we find the time to do a full days schooling? But how do we send them to school when we are all afraid right now?" Liz asks.
"The option is there to send them to school, however, I'm unsure how I feel about that."
Liz said that her children would take part in the staged return to school when it came into play from May 11.
She said her decisions had been prompted by the fact that both parents worked.
"The kids have grandparents, but home schooling involves so much stress - it's not just pen to paper - it's zoom classes and check ins," she said.
"I still can't get into google classroom."
Liz said a huge impact on her children had been the "struggle socially - not having their friends around."
"And the physical side, being dance kids and not being able to go," she said.
"It's a hard time, but safety first.
"Missing friends and the social environment - emotionally that's been the hardest part of it all."
But there are some things that Liz and her children have embraced during the restrictions and the need to learn from home.
Liz said that life skills were at the top of the benefits.
"Being home has taught them so much about food, cooking and cleaning more.
"They have also learnt about reading recipes and creating shopping lists. Real life skills!
"Changing their rooms around and spending time creating their own fun spaces and exercise routines has been pretty amazing.
"They've learnt to be social in other ways - writing letters and zoom classes and FaceTime games.
"And even better, we have been spending time close as a family without having to always be everywhere at once."
Liz said she believed the staged return to school was a smart move.
"We need to be careful. We are very lucky right now to be in a place where [COVID-19 case] numbers are staying so low," she said.
"We don't want to see a rise now.
"Overall we have to be safe, so staying home is what has to happen.
"Nothing is easy now. Everyone is struggling, kids and adults alike.
"But we will get through this - and maybe we might be better off for a healthier, happier future.
"Sounds exciting if you ask me."
