Aylesbury mum opens up about home schooling guilt as children return to schools
School are reopening from today following the national lockdown
Last updated 8th Mar 2021
Schools across Buckinghamshire are starting to reopen for all students.
Today student across the county are starting to go back to school as the first step of lockdown easing begins.
During this and previous lockdowns parents have reported increased worries and levels of 'parental guilt'.
Not home schooling children properly is a key cause of guilt amongst parents, alongside children being bored and not being able to see relatives according to research from MyNametags.
Government statistics have revealed that over half of parents feel that a child in their household is struggling to continue their education while at home, with just over three quarters of these parents (77 percent) attributing this to a lack of motivation.
Charlie is a mum from Aylesbury, who says its easy to judge against other parents:
"It is just natural to look around you to see what's going on and compare yourself.
"I have seen some people who are loving it and are really enjoying themselves.
"But I have also seen some who are really struggling and are counting the seconds until they can drop them back at school.
"I personally fall somewhere in between but it hasn't been easy and I am guilty of using screen time to help.
"But I think also when you have to push your child to get work done or to focus on the task it makes you feel like an even worse mother.
"We can't compare though everyone has their own strengths and we have done our best, we got through it and we need to celebrate that."
How is lockdown being eased?
8 March: ALL pupils in England back to school
From 8 March 2021, all pupils in all year groups were allowed to go back into the classroom. Outdoor after-school sports clubs and activities were also allowed to resume.
8 March: Socialising outdoors with one other person
Two people from different households are now allowed to meet up outdoors in parks and public spaces. This means that people can sit down for a picnic or a drink, whereas previously, you could only meet someone outside your household for exercise.
29 March: Stay at Home rule liften
From 29 March, once the school Easter holidays have started, the Government will lift the stay at home rule but will continue to encourage people to stay local.
29 March: Larger group gatherings outdoors
From March 29 the "rule of six" will be re introduced alongside the the two household rule.
The "rule of six" means that up to six people from different households can meet outside.
More people will be able gather together if they are only from two households, giving greater flexibility for families and friends.
29 March: Outdoor sports facilities allowed to open
Outdoor sports facilities including tennis and basketball courts will be permitted to reopen from 29 March.
29 March: Organised adult and children's sport
Meanwhile organised adult and children's sport, such as grassroot football clubs, can also resume from March 29
29 March: Weddings with 6 people
From 29 March, weddings with 6 people will be permitted to take place. The number of guests allowed to attend weddings will increase as we move through the roadmap.
12 April: shops, hairdressers, nail salons, libraries, outdoor attractions and outdoor hospitality venues
From 12 April at the earliest, shops, hairdressers, nail salons, libraries, outdoor attractions, including zoos, and outdoor hospitality venues will be permitted to reopen.
12 April: Beer gardens reopen
From 12 April, outdoor beer gardens will also be allowed to reopen.
12 April: Gyms reopen
Gyms are expected to reopen from 12 April.
17 May: Indoor mixing
From May 17 at earliest, two households or groups of up to six people can mix indoors and limited crowds will be allowed to return to sporting events. Children's play areas will be opened alongside hotels, and limited groups will be allowed in theatres.
17 May: Possible foreign travel
Foreign travel may be permitted from 17 May.
17 May: Indoor hospitality
Indoor hospitality including pubs and restaurants could reopen from 17 May.
21 June: Nightclubs could reopen
From 21 June all remaining restrictions on social distancing could be lifted, and larger events may be allowed to resume, including theatres. Nightclubs may also be allowed to reopen.
21 June: Bigger weddings
Bigger wedding celebrations may be permitted from 21 June.