Homeschooling when it’s hard. · The Homeschool Society

Homeschooling when it’s hard.

Homeschooling often starts with big dreams and aspirations. We think of waking up everyday ready to face reality with a new sense of purpose and direction. Each day learning and growing and soaring to new educational heights.

But what about when we don’t feel that way? What about when life gets to us and we start to get weary on the path?

I definitely know I have been there before as a homeschooling mom of 8 kids.

Nervous system regulation is such a hot topic these days and it is relevant for us in the homeschooling world as well. Taking time to back up and reevaluate our school system can be a really helpful thing to reset your homeschool life.

It’s ok to take an “administrative” day once a semester to revisit plans, thoughts and ideas of what you wanted your homeschool to look like and how to get it back to that place.

Take a look at what your days are looking like. Write down some areas where you think things are going well and then write down where you think things are not going as well. Where are some areas you could improve your schedule and where are some areas you could actually take some time to clear your schedule?

I am going to break this down because I think it’s really important to help keep you on track when things feel like they are getting rocky.

Distraction.

Feelings do not equal truth.

Kids need more than math and handwriting.

Preparing for adulthood is the ultimate goal.

We will start with distraction.

What things are distracting you from getting focused on your homeschool day?

Is it the dishes in the sink? I know for myself I cannot focus when I have too many cleaning tasks unaccomplished before school.

Is it a kid needing another snack? Making sure kids have had a good meal before lessons really helps keep them focused! Is it the phone going off? Just because you are at home does not mean you are available. Your job as a homeschool parent should be treated as such- a job. A doctor is not seen without an appointment and your job is just as important as theirs.

Feelings do not equal truth:

Just because I feel like I am not doing the best job does not mean I am failing.

You can get kids tested to see exactly where they are at. You can take placement tests online even and it may help you to feel better about your kids grades. On the other end of the spectrum it may help you to see where you do need to work on some things as well. Getting practical facts for when things “feel” sketchy can help get you back on the right track. Don’t let yourself stay down for long- remember if your child felt this way you would do what you could to fix it.

Kids need more than math and handwriting:

Yes these are important basic skills but remember it is not all that is needed for adulthood. Kids need to learn how to cook basic meals, do their own laundry, clean their rooms and bathrooms and SERVE others not just themselves. As a homeschooling parent you have the opportunity to instill these things in your children that they might not have an opportunity to learn if they were tied to a traditional classroom all day. Homeschooling provides the space kids need to learn skills that will help them to be good leaders, good followers, and people that will add to this world. So if the bookwork doesn’t get done today but the laundry got done and the meals were cooked and the kids were APART of that- learning happened and it was good.

Preparing your kids for adulthood is the ultimate goal.

We think of kids as immature, not really adding value, and something that takes up a lot of our time. Kids are what they are made to be. When a child is born they are like play dough and ready to be shaped by the influences around them. If you treat your children like they are in the way, like they don’t add value, then they won’t add value. But if you bring them into the family and tell them, you are valued, you are needed, this family unit doesn’t work without you- they will become great adults who one day don’t need your instruction anymore. And that is the ultimate goal. My ultimate goal is to raise kids who don’t need me anymore. I want them to want to see me of course, but I want them to be able to be independent of me. A good teacher raises more good teachers and the generations stay good that way.

When the days feel long, remember the years are short. What you are doing in your homeschool today does matter for our generational tomorrow. Don’t give up- you got this.

Peace and love!

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