Supernanny Jo Frost Gives Her Expert Advice On Dealing With Summer Holidays 2020 Style…

If there's ever a time some of us parents might feel we need the services of Jo Frost, Global Parenting Expert, aka Supernanny, it's right now.

As we enter a children's school holidays like no other__, yes we might be able to ditch the homeschooling__, but parents are facing a whole new set of challenges.

This week, Jo returns to our screens, in brand new episodes of Supernanny USA, travelling across the pond (filmed pre-lockdown), to rescue a series of parents at the end of their tether.

With a few of us reaching that point ourselves, before the six-week shenanigans even begin - perhaps without the promise of a foreign holiday__, but with the assurance we'll be trying to work from home still alongside the kids - Jo took some time out to give us her advice on how to approach things...

What are your tips for entertaining children this summer holidays without… any summer holidays?

Summer 2020 should count for all families this year, okay so we might not be able to do what we did before, but you just can’t make out this year is not happening either, so jump on board with changing your mindset with how you embrace the summer. Create a routine that will honour keeping up with the cornerstones of your day depending on the age of your children. Discover something new, learn something new, do together something new, let the kids be involved after all it’s their summer too. Keep active, keep the kids doing some school work three times a week for several hours and get out when the sun is shining, whether that’s nature trails, bike riding, riverbank walks or window shopping and picnicking with others in your hearts of social distancing in a park. Either the pint is going to be half empty or half full so make a choice that uplifts your family and remember just slow the pace down and give yourself a break too as we know this is a marathon not a sprint!

What’s the best thing to say when a child says, 'I’m bored'?

The best thing to do is to acknowledge what they said and not helicopter parent to fix it. Many parents are feeling the pressure, the mental exhaustion for being at home with the kids, it’s tough I know, so don’t make a rod for your own back. What will they do with that feeling? Depending on age you can suggest a few ideas however kids need to sit and be present and aware of this feeling and if not feeling satisfied change it with their own interests as when we give them the space to feel it enables creativity and their minds to problem solve themselves. Unstructured play is important for our children to figure what they like and don’t like doing in the world and to discover that themselves.

Have you reassessed any of your tactics because of lockdown?

These times are unprecedented, we are all learning about ourselves right now and many of us on a very special journey of self-discovery as parents or not. Boundaries are important to maintain healthy relationships and space that is needed for each family member to process what’s happening around them but it is also key to remember that our children also need to be given a little slack as do we. Spend time to emotionally connect with your children and make sure your partner, if you have one, is doing the same too. Check in with each other and embrace the vulnerability you both feel as parents as you courageously move forward teaching your children the important value of resilience and perseverance. It’s totally normal to feel off kilter just remember to reach out to loved ones and friends during these times because we are stronger together when we can support one another through these challenging times.

How do you deal with children who are frustrated about this summer holidays looking different?

Acceptance is the key word here, of course many a teenager are disappointed however these times are teaching us an important lesson of being adaptable to changing times and how to roll with the punches as we Brits would say. Nothing ever stays the same, acknowledgement is what your kids need, gratitude for where they are in a practice indeed that would benefit the whole family and allowing your kids to navigate with your guidance how they will enjoy the summer with planning what they can do is to embrace the positive of this summer. Be calm, be attentive and respond where needs be.

How do you manage having children at home and working?

Having good communication skills with a partner will matter so remember to stay present when talking over these issues as it’s easy to go into survival mode and shut down emotionally which can seem very isolating and lonely for a partner. You are all in this together, uplift, support and appreciate each other because it sure is easier together. Children again will have some form of flexible schedule so being able to plan and be prepared will help tremendously not just with your work but with meals and an outline of the day ahead.

Supernanny USA arrives weekly on E4 from Monday 20th July at 9pm.

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