We do not need to tell you how hard it has been for parents over the last year and a half. Since March 2020, we have all been pushed to our limits, worrying about our families’ physical and mental health. We have worried about our finances as we were put on furlough for months at a time or even made redundant. We have had to figure out how we can keep our kids active and entertained through a succession of lockdowns. We have had to home-school our kids while working from home, all the while wondering if today was going to be the day when the wi-fi finally gave up the ghost. We have waited patiently for government advice and done our level best to not spend every day doom scrolling through the news.
But the summer is finally here, and things are starting to look a little brighter out there. The government restrictions are rolling back. More and more people have had their second dose of vaccines, and it looks as though we might actually be seeing real results. It feels like we have all been waiting for a very long time to be able to take a breath, and now we can afford to be a little more optimistic. With that being said, a parent knows that the challenges never end, and we always need to keep an eye on the road ahead. Exams like the 11+ come round much faster than you realise. As we head into August and the school summer holidays, here are a few things that need to be at the top of your list of priorities.
Be Flexible With Your Planning
Now, there is a good chance that flexibility has become your watchword when it comes to planning. After all, we all cancelled a raft of plans during 2020 and the first of this year. We’re talking about weddings, birthday parties, holidays, even visits to friends in neighbouring cities. And as much as we would like to believe that lockdowns are a thing of the past, there is a good chance that something like a new variant could come along and change the government’s plans.
It’s also important to remember that the so-called “pingdemic” is making things very difficult for all of us, especially places of business. If you’re booking a hotel or a restaurant, be sure to have a back-up lined up just in case they have to close suddenly.
Be Prepared For Any Weather
When it comes to the summer, we all have our hearts set on spending as much time outdoors as we can. Getting those kids running around on the beach while we grab some time dozing in the sun. Sitting in the back garden with a cold drink while the kids enjoy the paddling pool. With that being said, we all need to be paying very careful attention to what the weather is doing. The recent heatwaves are no joke, and there’s no sign of them going anywhere in the near future. Remember to take sunscreen with you, keep everyone drinking plenty of water, and make sure that everyone gets time in the shade too.
However, as we’ve seen throughout July, one of the most common forms of new climate change weather that we’re getting are the sudden massive storms. Check the weather forecast before you travel and be sure to take waterproofs with you. These are not your typical British summer showers; these are something else entirely.
Get Your Kids’ Studies Back On Track Ahead Of Big Exams Like The 11+
We all know how hard it has been for kids to maintain any kind of consistency with their studies since the start of the pandemic. Indeed, it’s been hard for them to maintain any kind of consistency at all, as so many of their usual activities have been closed to them, and it’s been hard for them to see their friends outside of school when they were allowed to go. Now that things are getting back to normal, it is so important to try and get them back into a proper routine. Of course, the summer break is absolutely essential, but it’s a great idea to get a game plan in place while they are enjoying some much-needed downtime.
If they are heading into 11+ exam preparation in the months ahead, then you should consider bringing in a little extra support. Mi Teacher Ai is a great tool to supplement their education, providing affordable support for English skills and comprehension. They can get quality feedback and support – plus, you’ll be able to get involved with their education. We don’t need to tell you how important the 11+ is in getting your child into the independent or grammar school that you want for them, and you’ll know that the schools offering these exams are looking for very specific things in both their tests and their interviews. It helps to have as much background and preparation as possible. A tutor with experience teaching for the 11+ can focus on these key subjects and areas and work with your child on understanding the more difficult concepts. If you would like to learn more about 11 plus online teaching, Test Teach has a great selection of enthusiastic, expert tutors with a proven track record.
Think About Where You Want To Live
We all saw the news stories back in June about how the housing market was blowing up. This was partly due to the stamp tax holiday coming to an end, but prices are on the rise again. The pandemic has also made a lot of us think long and hard about where we want to be living. It has forced us to reconsider our priorities and ask ourselves whether where we are right now is actually the best choice for our families.
It has been particularly difficult for families living in city centres who have had to work very hard indeed to make sure that their children are getting enough fresh air and exercise, not to mention the combination of relaxation and stimulation that comes from spending time outdoors. If you have been stuck in a small flat or house with your family over the course of the pandemic, it might be time to think about trading that metropolitan convenience in for a home with more space and a garden. Make sure to do your research before diving in, as there is going to be a lot of competition out there!
