Deep Breath.
For some reason, this time of year just starts to feel...crazy. Attendance due, grades coming, conferences coming, tired mommies and daddies, tired teachers, and tired kids. And although I look forward to the upcoming holiday season, I also know that A) it seems like a long time before break, and B) the holiday season isn't really a break.
About this time of year, I honestly begin to question whether or not homeschooling is really the right thing for my family.
BUT...
Last year, one of the Lincoln teachers asked me to share some homeschooling tips with her so that she could pass them along to newer families. I am certainly no expert on the subject, and I ABSOLUTELY have my moments when I want to throw in the towel completely. But, after four years of homeschooling my two kiddos, there are definitely some things that I've stumbled across that have helped us to push through the rough times. I thought I'd share them with you (I know I sure needed to remind myself of these things today). Of course, you all may be sailing through easily, in which case, that's great!!! and feel free to quit reading :) But if there's anybody else like me needing a little encouragement, here's some ideas that might work...
1. Schedule your time, but know when to say when.
It can be tricky to know when to push and when to back off, but it definitely helps to allow yourself to stray from your schedule here and there when your kids (or you) just need a break (I know this is especially challenging during LogIn days, but they're almost over :)). I'm always surprised at how much of a difference just a 15 minute break can make.
2. Don't be afraid to mix it up a bit.
I definitely attribute much of our success to having such a great curriculum to follow (Lincoln). Once in a while though, my kids (and I) really enjoy just taking a day to do something different---like taking a whole afternoon to just read a fun book together or just getting out the paints and letting creativity take over. Sometimes just doing our online classes in a different room or outside is enough to break up the day.
3. Try not to worry too much about getting behind.
This one is hard for me, and I still struggle with learning to let go of "getting everything done---on time." The beauty of homeschooling is that our kids get to work at their own pace. Pressuring my kids has never ever worked (although I have unfortunately caught myself putting the pressure on at times), and is counterproductive to their success and enjoyment of learning. So take the pressure off of yourself, too. It can be really good to push your kids a little further when you know they can do it, but sometimes I catch myself stressing everybody out so that we can stay exactly on schedule. I need to remember that if we are honestly working consistently (with breaks, of course) and everyone is doing their best, then homeschool is already a success.
4. Do not take it personally when your kids complain.
They will complain sometimes---unless your kids never complain, in which case I humbly tip my hat to you for some incredible parenting. When they do complain though, it can be easy to tell yourself that you are not doing a good job and that maybe homeschooling isn't for you. NOT true. Work is hard. Everybody would always just have fun if they didn't have to work. So I really just try to remind myself, "if they are complaining, then that means they are working," and that is a good thing. Of course, we know our children better than anybody, and so it does fall on us to decide if they are just complaining or if they honestly need a break. But it needs to be said again---Do NOT feel like you aren't doing a good job just because they complain about it. Everybody complains sometimes. Hopefully we all have fun days that just seem to flow perfectly, too.
5. If possible, try to find other homeschooling families.
I am NOT a social person by any means. One of my kids is extremely social and the other is as introverted as me, but I have found that chatting or getting together with other homeschooling families on a regular basis is really rewarding for all of us. The kids can play together and the parents can swap stories and offer each other support. Nobody can relate to you as well as another homeschooling mom (or dad, grandparent, etc.). I really resisted this one for a long time because of my own discomfort, but it truly is worth it---community works, and the amazing, precious people that I've come to know through this cottage/online program are such tremendous blessings to me and my kids. If you live in a rural area where it just isn't possible to get together very much, I have found that even 15 minutes on the phone or emailing or texting helps a lot too.
It is definitely a challenge to keep it all in balance, and we can expect ourselves and our kids to not be perfect :) And every year I have found myself evaluating our choice to homeschool, but I've ultimately chosen to continue every time. Mostly, I need to be reminded to relax and have fun with it as much as possible. They grow up so. so. fast.
How about you? Any homeschooling stresses getting you down? Or any tips to share that have helped pull you through the rough spots?
<3 Heather
