I’ve been hearing from so many moms (and some dads too) that are already feeling discouraged about homeschooling…and it’s only the end of August. They JUST started and it’s been hard and not like how they pictured it in their minds. They had an idea, a vision in their head and when the first few days don’t go as planned, they start to panic and question themselves. Especially if they are new to homeschooling.
Can you relate?
I think I can safely speak for many of us (all of us?) who have been in your shoes: we have all felt that way. And not just once. But multiple times over multiple years. Here are a few pieces of advice that hopefully will help you.
1. You’ll feel better if you are organized and prepared. Set aside time for yourself (outside recess time for the kids!) and look through whatever curriculum you have. Get a planner or download this free one here and write out your goals for one week. You could print off a bunch of these and put them in a 3-ring binder for the year. Remember, these are just goals, and it’s okay if you have to adjust. Make a list of any materials or books you’ll need so you can have them ready. Prepare a nice and cozy space to do your homeschooling and then have totes or crates to store all your homeschool materials so they can be put away for the day once you’re done. Depending on the ages of your kids, they might feel better knowing the daily schedule so they know what is expected of them. I also recommend setting a daily start time. Help the kids get into a routine so they have had breakfast, teeth brushed, dressed, beds made, and then are ready to learn by a certain time that you set.
2. Go with the flow. If the kids aren’t feeling math today, but they are totally into reading their history lesson and have tons of questions about it - take their lead. Share excitement in the learning process. Keep reminding yourself and your kids that you learning right alongside them. Go down rabbit holes. Watch videos, do more research, go to the library for additional books on that topic. This is the freedom that comes with homeschooling! Learning should be joyful!
3. Follow your kids’ interests and remember that real life is the best kind of learning. Try to find field trips or experiences that allow them to learn more about what they are passionate about. Giving your kids an individualize education is one of the very best gifts you can give them.
5. Please read the book “The Call of the Wild and Free.” ! I’ve read it twice and I really should read it before each new year starts. It is an absolute must-read for anyone considering homeschooling or currently is homeschooling. You will feel SO much, but it is so encouraging and inspiring. I promise you’ll love it and it really will make you feel so much better about the journey you are on with your family. If you take nothing else away, please read this book! And I’d love to hear your thoughts about it!
4. You know what’s best for your kids. Don’t compare them to others. Don’t even worry for one bit what is happening in the public school and that the public school kids are learning such and such so your kids should be learning that too. YOU are the principal, the superintendent, and the school board of your school. Just because some stranger once upon a time decided third grade is when kids should learn multiplication, does not mean that is when your child needs to learn multiplication!
6. Last but not least, connect with other homeschool families so that you do not feel alone! Homeschooling is growing by the day so more than likely there are homeschool groups, co-ops, playdates, and events happening around you. I’m old school so I suggest just doing a search on Facebook, but you can find them on all social media platforms. Not only will these groups help you feel more confident in your decision, but it will give your kids a chance to hang out with peers, make some friends, socialize, and participate in a variety of activities. These could be some of the very best friends you and your kids will ever make!
Do service learning/community service projects together. My son loves animals so here we are volunteering at the Humane Society.
Spending time on field trips with our homeschool co-op is one of our favorite things to do. So many memories are made!
Take field trips! Here we are at our county museum learning all about our local history. He found our family name in the file.
One of my son’s interests is cooking/baking so he gets lots of opportunities to do so! We all benefit from it :)
Go on field trips just for fun too! Enjoy this precious time with your children. It goes by too quickly.