But add homeschooling and it becomes a big juggling act.

Clare Stuart and husband Brendan have been homeschooling their children, eight-year-old Elliot and six-year-old Julian, for the past three weeks.

Ms Stuart said they displayed fever symptoms the week before the state government directed parents to keep their children home where possible.

Even though their symptoms were not coronavirus-related, she decided to keep her sons home as a precaution.

"We're a family who's taking this very seriously," she said.

As a result, she said the family got a headstart in homeschooling.

Ms Stuart, who works in mental health policy, and Mr Stuart, who is an environmental engineer, are both working from home due to COVID-19.

Ms Stuart said she rose before 6am to start work while her husband started breakfast and school activities.

"My husband, being a scientist, is doing his own curriculum and they're doing experiments all the time," she said.

"Our youngest is still learning to read so we're doing lots of one-on-one reading."

Then at lunchtime, the parents swap and Mr Stuart works until after dinner and Ms Stuart takes on child duties.

"In the afternoon, we do maths because I enjoy maths," she said.

"Year 1 is doing a unit on probabilities so we had some card games that implement that.

She said the boys' school had been flexible and encouraging with parents.

"My top tip is be kind to yourself - it's only this week and next week before the term finishes and there's no reason to think you need to tick all the boxes," she said.

"We're not professional teachers so we have to realistic about what can be done."

As someone who struggled with anxiety, she said it was important for the adults to make time for activities they enjoyed to safeguard their mental health and create space for children to express themselves.

"The kids know the world has changed and they want that close relationship and assurance," she said.