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Secret Homeschooler: 'I feel like I'm on an emotional rollercoaster'

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Wearing a face mask, taking hand gel everywhere and maths at the kitchen table have all become part of everyday life during the pandemic.

For the final time, we hear about the highs and lows of the virtual classroom from our secret homeschooler.

It's almost time to pack-up the homeschooling kit
It's almost time to pack-up the homeschooling kit

The final week of homeschooling has flown by - quite why all the others haven't felt like this is beyond me.

Maybe it was because I knew the end was in sight - the light at the end of the tunnel has been getting bigger every day.

I have a slight admission to make though - I have pretty much ignored my children this week and let them get on with it.

The app updates back to their teachers have been distinctly lacking and yes, my homeschooling duties have been somewhat neglected.

Is it because I've reached that 'end of term, can't be bothered to work any more' state of mind?

No - although believe me, I have had many moments of wanting to give up on this entire thing since January.

It's actually because when my children go back to school on Monday, I will also have to return to work - and I've had to prepare (psych myself up).

The children have been having a go at sewing - and making quite a mess in the process
The children have been having a go at sewing - and making quite a mess in the process

And it seems at this point of realisation, I boarded the emotional rollercoaster - and the ride hasn't finished yet.

One minute I can't wait for the children to get back in a classroom and for some form of normality to resume - the next minute, I dread the morning rush and start to think it hasn't been all that bad.

Deep down I know they need to be in school again. I certainly don't have the patience or expertise to teach two primary school children and they don't want me to be their teacher either.

But I also realise we will never have this time together again.

As much as they have, at times, driven me mad and I've wanted to lock myself in the bathroom and hide - we've had some great quality time together too.

Lessons were finished very quickly in order to enjoy snowball fights
Lessons were finished very quickly in order to enjoy snowball fights

I genuinely hope those in the know have made the right decision to send children back on Monday and we don't get a repeat of the problems seen after the summer holidays.

The next three weeks will be a real test before the Easter Break and I, for one, will be keeping everything crossed that the rates stay low.

I don't even want to think about the potential of bubbles bursting and spells of isolation.

I'm pleased the Prime Minister's route out of lockdown is a long one as I genuinely think it's going to take us time to adjust to 'normal life' again. Whatever that turns out to be.

As we pack-up the homeschooling kit for, hopefully, the final time - all I can say is that it's been a challenge, but strangely I'll miss it.

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