Homeschool Central
Rocking in the corner because you never signed up for this homeschool shit? Me too. But we are all in this shitshow together and it looks like this is the new norm for a while so lets work together. From my place on the couch, physically isolated from my friends but not isolated enough from my family, I'm trying to look busy enough to be ignored so I thought I would collate all the homeschool essentials for you - printables, wine deliveries, apps, online shopping, educational websites, wine deliveries, downloads, bath bombs and wine deliveries. And some mental healthcare because if you dont need it yet, just wait. It's coming.
The Essentials
Devices. Devices, devices, devices. I mean it. Your kids spend 5 hours a day in front of a smart board at school, then have their 1 hour of screen time at home. That's 6 hours a day before you need to start feeling guilty.Printer. A new printer is cheaper than new ink to put in it. Just do it.
Paper. All the paper.
Internet. Which you obviously have or you wouldn't be here reading this. Go you!
Self-care. Coffee, wine, chocolate, bath bombs and headphones.
Screen Time
Don't pretend it isn't happening. We all know it is.
Embrace its educational value.
The best websites, apps and You Tube channels to keep the guilt away.
Home Delivery
For Kids
Kmart - I don't need to tell you, you know. The home of everything you never knew you wanted and cheap shit to keep the kids quiet for a bit. Oh yeah, they've got books and textas and craft and shit so this is totally an educational resource.
Target - More up-market than Kmart but they have an app so that's a bonus in my book. Look for sales. Just give them plenty of notice if you want it delivered soon-ish because they ain't in a hurry.
Casey's Toys - always stocking some bargains, have a look at their online store for science kits and backyard toys to help you survive the lockdown.
Switched On Kids - Educational toys only in this online store. Have the smartest kid in town in case school ever goes back with this warehouse of STEM.
Toymate - If you've ever been to Toymate you know they always have a shit-tonne of clearance items. I got everything from jump ropes and playdough to Diamond Dots and science kits. Try your luck.
Wish - the home of cheap Chinese crap is experiencing a significant cut to delivery times since nobody seems to want to order stuff from China, can't think why... a lot of stuff I've bought from Wish has come from Taiwan, Vietnam and the Philippines anyway. I know we should be supporting local but when it comes to 5-minute entertainers for the kids we aren't looking for quality, if we were we wouldn't love Kmart so much. Wish is just Hot Dollar delivered. And with everything local being sold out of any decent homeschooling supplies... I Wish.
Catch - remember when Catch of the Day was literally one product a day, released in limited quantity at a big discount so you were sitting in front of your computer refreshing your page at 10:59 hoping to be quick enough? Well now you can Catch a million products a day including bulk snacks, stationery, craft, books...
For Grown-ups
Groupon - I know a discounted massage and a cheap holiday aren't on the cards right now but Groupon have gone with the market shift, pushing home essentials, groceries and... WINE. Lots and lots of wine. By the dozen, discounted and delivered to your door. What more could you ask for?
Divine La Bomba - these beautiful bath delights are simply amazing and add that bit of luxury to your tub, for the relaxation you need right now.
Dymocks - self care is vital. But there are only so many hours in the day right? Multitask and spend quality time with your kids. While they colour in, love yourself by colouring in Jason Momoa, Keanu Reeves, Idris Elba or The Rock.
You should always try to support local, especially if you are in a hurry. If you can't, Dan Murphy's, Liquorland and BWS all deliver.