While we are all prepared to help with homework, stand on the sidelines and cheer at sport, make costumes for plays, cakes for bake sales, mend and soothe injuries, having to take on an entire curriculum in lieu of trained educators, was not what we signed up for.

This year, with many children forced to stay home during lockdown, parents seem to have embraced the normality of having a dining room table loaded with computers and workbooks, and the constant presence of little voices in the house.

Each family would have managed the latest lockdown differently, and give that the Southern HIghlands is lucky enough to have missed the initial stay-at-home orders from the NSW government, the fact that we are surrounded by fresh air, wide open spaces and mostly gardens to stretch ourselves into, is a blessing.

Sue Tindall has found this year a little easier than last year.

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"I'm not able to work under these current restrictions but last year I was able to work and the juggle of home schooling and working was exhausting," Sue said.

"My children, on the whole had a very positive experience with last year's home schooling so they approached this home schooling session with great gusto. We were also familiar with the online learning platform and I have enjoyed a whole lot less stress accessing the various online applications this year."

Sue said she adhered to similar bed times and similar waking times to a normal school day.

"We are always slightly early to start school so that we can get a head start on the work. My children function better in the morning and we try to get the majority of the work done before lunch. We have regular screen breaks and spurts of physical activity and in the afternoon once school is finished we turn off all screens.

"I had to ask my primary- aged children to put their hand up when they needed help with their school work because the constant calling of "mum, mum MUM" was frustrating."

Sue said although she still packed snacks and lunch each morning so that they can eat when they are hungry and avoid the "I'm hungry -what is there to eat?" I often do my evening meal prep in the morning and some baking for the next day while I'm in the kitchen supervising the home schooling."

And when faced with any tricky answers in a syllabus that she can't remember, Sue said she had managed to Google or You Tube anything she couldn't remember or didn't know.

"Luckily they are still young - I hope I don't have to be doing this when they are in HSC. "Our structured play consists of "right kids you need to go outside and burn off some energy."

"Their teachers have been fantastic in keeping us informed and letting the kids (and parents) know what they need to do each day. For all three children most of their work each day is completed online which is a concern that they are have too much screen time.

"So far I am still enjoying home schooling but I am looking forward to when they can go back to school and play with their friends and see their teachers face to face," Sue said.

While this experience has been different for every family, most have found the assistance from their schools to be vital and helpful. While online learning platforms, apps and classroom Zoom sessions have been invaluable.

For the Denington family home schooling also seems to have been much easier this year. Gail Denington said the school and children were so much better prepared.. "In the Highlands we were fortunate not to be in lockdown as quickly as Sydney. The teachers took the opportunity to teach the children how to "homeschool", where to access information and what is expected," Gail said.

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"Last year the agenda was full and a little overwhelming but Zoom was not utilised as much. This year there are more check-ins and a greater use of Zoom particularly in high school and the children operate more independently and confidently."

Gail said she was fortunate to be able to focus on her children and she and her husband are on hand to help when needed not only during the school day, but at recess and lunch.

Their son Christian is in high school and has a set routine within the school roster while daughter, Sophia who is in primary school has a bit more flexibility.

"Sophia wakes and starts school early to finish early so she can have a greater period of time in the afternoon to play."

Gail said she has learnt not to stress too much with the details this year. Messy writing, disorganised books ensuring correct and comprehensive note taking, sticking to a timeframe was something she used to try to perfect.

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"I was guilty of this in the first home school run. I think that it's important to be aware that we are all carrying hidden level of stress and this is an undercurrent for all of us, including the children. It is a time to be gentle, empathetic and supportive of each other."

"I was great with maths at school but sometimes I stumble with Year 5 maths. Not necessarily the answer but how to explain the workings -there are different techniques."

The Denington family keep fitness to the fore for their children all the time. "We like the trampoline at lunch and both Sophia and Christian play tennis in the driveway and love a game of croquet in the yard.

"Each week I pick up workbooks and print-outs for Sophia. There is a book swap available and a book ordering process with the library which you can also pick up from the school while Christian is able to work with his current textbooks and online learning.

"I have enjoyed the time with the children, but mostly I think the pets have enjoyed it more. The children have missed their friends and although they are more computer-savvy these days and tend to satisfy certain social interactions virtually, there is never a replacement for physically being in the company of good friends."

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