AS a mum to an extremely energetic and inquisitive four-year-old boy, my main concern as coronavirus takes its hold on the UK is what am I going to do with him?

I am sure I am not alone in thinking that now the schools are closed, I have no idea how I am going to keep my child stimulated, educated and entertained.

It seems like a mammoth task, I am sure you will agree.

However, kids are amazingly adaptable, much more than adults, so my general feeling is that they will cope with the changes facing them far better than we expect them to.

Whilst we navigate these unknown waters together, here is my guide on just what to do when your kids are at home with you, from one parent to another.

1.) Explain to your children what is happening in terms they will understand, dependant on their age group. I have told my son that things will be a little bit different at the moment because a ‘naughty virus’ is making people feel poorly, but ‘superhero doctors’ are working hard to banish the virus and we all need to do our bit in our mission to stay safe and healthy.

2.) Establish a routine for everyone that you can stick to, make sure you are still getting up, getting dressed, brushing teeth and eating breakfast as you usually would. This will keep the kids calm and also ensure you keep some balance, purpose and structure to your day.

3.) Enlist your kids' help. There are always jobs around the house that need doing. Take this opportunity to teach your children how they can help with chores, how the washing machine works, cleaning the microwave, changing the cat litter. Give them some responsibility, I am sure they will rise to the challenge.

4.) Get cooking or baking. Make pizza faces or cupcakes or cookies or anything! Let your little one do the chopping, the choosing, the mixing. Create something together, eat it together and clear up together! It is such a simple activity, but a real opportunity to teach your little ones whilst also bonding with them.

5.) Google it! My son and I love to think of questions and then spend an hour or so Googling until we know the answer. This is a chance to read, watch documentaries, chat, and really get to know what’s on your child's mind. Be warned some questions may catch you off guard!

6.) Go for a nature walk. We usually chant the ‘Gruffalo’ or ‘Were going on a bear hunt’ on our walks to keep things exciting. You can also collect things and make a nature collage when you get home.

7.) Set aside time to be apart. Have half an hour a day where your child is engrossed in an activity and you get some time just for you, to have a cup of tea, ring a friend, or just scroll through social media. You need to put yourself first sometimes in order to be the best you can be for the little people looking up to you.

8.) Have a movie marathon. Popcorn, blankets, build a fort, watch the movie your child chooses with interest and talk with them about what they are watching, any messages that the film is trying to portray, characters they like etc. Extra points for sing-a-long versions. We are big big fan of Frozen!

9.) Try to stay positive. Enjoy this time with your children, you will certainly miss it when they are grown up. Speak to them how you would like to be spoken to and be aware that change is difficult for them too.

10.)When all else fails...make sure that snack cupboard is full and charge up the tablets!