3 Top Tips to Support Your Kids In 2021*

After the trials and tribulations of 2020, we had looked forward to the idea that 2021 may just be an easier year.

And though there is hope on the horizon in the form of a vaccine, it looks as though, in the short term at least, further lockdowns and restrictions could be on the cards.

Naturally it’s a difficult time for all of us, and one which comes with its own set of challenges for parents guiding their children through the inevitable ups and downs of childhood, from friendship troubles to school blues.

Thankfully, there are plenty of things you can do as a parent to support your child – here are just three top tips.

Make your own excitement

Your routine may feel a little same-y right now with little else to do, but there are plenty of ways to switch it up – find things to get excited about as a family. While you might not be able to guarantee days out or holidays at any point in the near future, you can certainly plan for a little quality time together.

Make the most of it by doing things together that you wouldn’t normally do at home, such as ordering a takeaway or playing a game. For small children, you could even plan an indoor treasure hunt, or try a new hobby as a family. Gardening, cooking and baking are great activities to get everyone involved.

Support their education

Whether or not future lockdowns precipitate school closures, this year certainly hasn’t made things easy on our little ones.

And if they’re struggling, let them know that you’re there for them and communicate with them and their teachers to find out what additional support you can offer.

This may be as simple as spending a little extra time helping them with their homework in the evenings or encouraging them with an extra-curricular pursuit that might support their studies, whether an activity, an educational game or app or even just reading at home together or independently. Or you could look at getting a personal tutor from Tutor City.

And if you feel totally out of your depth, tutoring agencies like Teachers To Your Home can provide fantastic one-to-one support for pupils of all ages. They offer flexible online sessions to fit around your family’s lifestyle and have tutors in a range of disciplines to assist your child in every area of their education.

Stay connected!

An increase in Tier 4 restrictions across the country, coupled with the likelihood of further total lockdowns mean that kids may not be able to spend much time with their friends or family in person any time soon.

But thankfully, the internet provides plenty of suitable alternatives for the present. Zoom calls are a great way for friends of all ages to hang out, and watch party features on apps like Netflix and Disney+ mean you can recreate the sleepover feel for them whilst socially distanced.

These are just three tips for parents to help their kids navigate 2021, whatever it brings.

We wish you and your family the best for the New Year to come!