At this stressful time it is so important that schoolchildren, students and their parents get all the help they need. Help is not restricted to finance or academics, but also mental health. This will be the first time many parents have had to spend such a large amount of time with each other or their kids since they left home and went to school or university. Life is not going to be plain sailing.

It’s almost certainly the first time school kids and students have, to all intents and purposes, been “grounded” for such long periods too, and that is also going to be somewhat difficult for them to deal with, and it’s important that they keep their minds occupied. For some students and children, going to university or school and seeing their friends, having classes and generally mixing with people is a lifeline for their mental health.

When that means of support is removed there is no telling how they might deal with the amount or different levels of stress they will undoubtedly be under. I’ve read many articles about divorce applications going through the roof, and (with all due respect) for many students, having to spend such a large amount of time with their parents will almost certainly strain relationships. Keep an eye out for your friends and family, let them know you’re there for them, or you could message here if you just want to let off steam.

Here are a few tips to help you through the lockdown period.

1. Keep in mind that it is not going to last forever.

2. Look at your wife, husband, children, parents when they don’t know you’re looking at them and think about the best time you’ve had with them. Parents, think about the day they were born. Kids, think about the best birthdays you’ve had, and how your siblings have helped you with things in the past (even if you don’t get on now).

3. Ask each other if you can help with anything; doing the chores, cooking, homework.

4. Stay in touch with extended family and friends. Make a video call to say hello.

5. Learn something new that could help you in future. You’ve got a ton of time on your hands, use it wisely.

6. Start writing a journal of your days. What did you do, when you did it, how long you spent doing it. You can use this to see where you get most enjoyment out of your time and what to concentrate on that makes you happy.

7. Keep in touch with your tutors.

8. Reconnect with long lost friends and ask how they’re doing. Make sure you listen to what they have to say too!

9. Exercise: in the house if you need to.

10. Eat healthily (notice I didn’t say healthy? The adverb modifies the verb. That’s a joke, by the way! Not really!). What you put into your body matters. Eat as much natural food as possible and avoid snacking on processed crap. Your weight can balloon if you’re not careful and that could bring on health issues you might not have had before. Stay trim, stay healthy.