The Kew resident has been homeschooling her son Arden ever since he reached school age.

She's often asked how she manages to balance her role as a mum with being a teacher.

"There's no way I see myself as a teacher at all," Mrs van der Mast said.

"It's just the same as being a parent, as before your child starts school you're already teaching them when you point out colours, read books and sing songs.

"As they get older, you're bringing a bit more content into their lives and you're facilitating the subjects your children are being exposed to."

Some parents struggled to help their kids learn at home during last year's coronavirus lockdowns but others found it so beneficial they decided to continue.

Mrs van der Mast said over the past 12 months there has a huge increase in the amount of people taking up homeschooling.

She is part of a support group on social media where new members have joined.

Another Port Macquarie-Hastings mum Kathryn has three children and two are of school age.

She's been homeschooling her two children for the past six years.

"I wanted my children to have an authentic education where they learn through life and relationships," she said.

Kathryn is not surprised there has been an increased uptake of homeschooling due to the coronavirus pandemic.

"Every parent is perfectly capable of undertaking that role," she said.

"For a lot of families they've seen how much happier and relaxed their children are at home."

Mrs van der Mast said homeschooling allows people to individualise educational content.

"You can't cater for every single student and their individual needs in the classroom," she said.

Mrs van der Mast said people have chosen to homeschool their children after negative experiences within the school system, related to social pressure and bullying.

Arden enjoys a variety of different educational interests including sport, art and animals.

"I wanted him to have the space to have the freedom to do things he enjoys," Mrs van der Mast said.

"He just has many interests and we've got time to explore them."

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The homeschooling support group has organised activities within the community, including art classes.

Mrs van der Mast said homeschooled children are very social.

"They don't have to put on a mask or armour to go to school," she said.

"They are authentic and genuine."

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