Family Lockdown Survival Guide

The Easter holidays are over, now we are back to work and school –all under the same roof. Parenting expert TANITH CAREY tells how to make it work

- Tanith Carey

When you are juggling home working, schooling and childcare as well as, for some, financial uncertainty, it’s no wonder family relationships across the country are under strain.

But there is no need to let the pressure of lockdown take its toll. A few strategic planning sessions and rotas could make all the difference to family life.

Dr. William Van Gordon, from the University of Derby says it will help to think of yourselves as a family task force.

He says: “Couples who can work effectively as a relationship team are likely to survive coronavirus much better, including financially, than couples who waste time arguing or ignoring each other.”

CREATE A ROTA

Family tidiness expert Shiri Atsmon of Helpful Kids says: “If there are two parents in the house, talk about rotating meals. Could one of you make lunch and the other dinner?” Shiri also suggests appointing a child to help with preparation each evening.

Hold a meeting to talk through how everyone can help keep the home neat and clean. Try a weekly rota with all your family members on it or create a pick-a-chore jar system in which you write jobs on ice lolly sticks and let kids pick one or two a day.

CLEAR CLUTTER

If you can, pack away anything you don’t need in labelled boxes and store furniture like coffee tables or extra chairs that can get in the way. This will give kids more space to run around and make your home easier to clean. When you feel cabin fever setting in, spend an hour or so changing the layout of your rooms or swap round lamps, cushion covers, rugs or pictures.

BE REALISTIC