Across the world, parents are embarking on an unexpected journey with their children. Here are five encouraging school-at-home tips from a veteran homeschool mom.
You didn’t see this coming. Blindsided when your child’s school said they were closing. For an undetermined amount of time…or at the very least, a date that keeps moving backwards.
The government regulations have rocked your life and suddenly you find yourself at home. With your children, who are enrolled in public or private school. And your days have been turned upside down. You don’t know how to do this. And neither do they.
First, it’s okay to feel lost and wonder what you should do each day. Your child feels like it’s some type of weird staycation and they may be asking to go back to school by now. Having daily schedules completely wiped out is no fun. It’s not easy either.
But what if I told you that a new normal is possible? One where you and your children thrive in this weird stay at home situation that we find ourselves in.
As a homeschooling mom of nine years, I’ve gone through kindergarten to 11th grade {sometimes multiple times!}, juggled teaching multiple ages at the same time, and have experienced many of the same emotions you are currently struggling with. Over the years, homeschool moms develop tips and strategies that help our families to thrive. And I feel compeled to encourage you with what I’ve learned along the way.
1. YOU AND YOUR CHILD NEED TO DEPROGRAM
Let’s face it: you had a routine. Every Monday through Friday was fairly predictable. People tend to thrive on routines, schedules, and predictability. We know what is expected of us and where we fit in. But what’s going on now feels more like a free for all.
What if I told you that there is an in-between? One that doesn’t rely upon bus schedules and ringing bells. A routine that works for your specific family.
The first step is to deprogram. It sounds creepy and ritualistic. But it’s not. Because quite simply, it is just giving yourself time to find a new normal. All families who came to homeschooling after a public or private school setting have to do this.
Children get used to their expected day in and day out. And your current days look nothing like this. This is why I suggest giving yourselves time to breathe. Take it easy. Sit back and enjoy the day as much as possible. It often involves ignoring formal schoolwork for a little bit; so everyone can find themselves. It acts a bit like a reset button. Give each other space to just be. Maybe it’s a few days, a week, or even more. But putting a little space barrier between a formal school setting to your new school at home setting helps everyone’s minds to adjust.
2. LET THEM GET BORED
Your child’s teacher has most likely sent home schoolwork or are in contact with them to keep up with studies. You need to do the required work. Respect the time the teachers are putting into this. And help your child to keep growing in their education.
But once the formal studies are done: let them get bored. Don’t fill their entire day. Give them space. And when they say, “I’m bored,” don’t reach for any fancy chart or activity jar. Simply tell them, “Find something to do.”
Of course, you set the parameters, but sit back. And ignore the eye roll and the huffing and puffing. Give it time. Even if it takes days.
Our child’s minds are so creative. But when their time is filled up, they don’t have space to explore all that their brains are capable of. Once they have the room to delve into the white space of time, be prepared to witness something truly amazing.
They may discover gifts, talents, and abilities they never knew they had. Brand new interests may emerge. And give you glimpses of the incredible person they truly are.
3. YOU WILL BE EXHAUSTED
Every summer, my kids and I spend most every moment outdoors. We fill our days with exercise and fresh air. Then our formal homeschool year starts. And we are exhausted. It always surprises us how using our brains so rigorously completely wipes us out. It’s a different type of activity than we are used to in the summer, but still, our bodies need time to adjust. And we find ourselves crashing into bed utterly drained.
It takes us at least a few weeks to adjust. But overall, I find our homeschool days to be more tiring than weekends and summer break.
If you are finding that being “on” all the time now for your children is exhausting, please know that you are completely normal. Being pulled in possibly a few different directions at once will wear anyone out. So give yourself time to sleep. Don’t stay up late…you’ll regret it in the morning.
Just know that your body and mind will get used to this new normal in time and you won’t be as exhausted. Do what you have to in order to take care of yourself though.
4. BE REALISTIC
This is a big one. As in HUGE! Trust me on this because it will save you from stress and possibly going a little crazy. Here it goes: be realistic. As in, take a look at all you want to accomplish in a day. And then start erasing. Maybe even cut that list in half.
The thing is, we always think that we have more time in a day than we really do. And this is what gets us into “trouble.” We want to fit in so many amazing things, but what it leads to is disappointment and frustration.
Each of my days include a list of “have to’s.” Currently, basics like 3 nourishing meals, formal schoolwork with my children, basic cleaning of our home, ministry work, and relationship focused time with my family are on that daily list. The rest is on the, “I hope to accomplish this” list. Those items include deeper house cleaning, home projects, and extras that add some family fun to our day.
We are currently in a crisis situation and so, we need to focus on what is most important and then let the rest go. Homeschooling has taught me that as long as my priorities are straight, no matter how much I don’t get to, the cracks are always filled. Your family will see your best intentions and they would rather a mom full of peace than one trying to do all the things.
5. GIVE GRACE LIBERALLY
This one plays off my tip to be realistic. But goes a step further.
Give yourself grace.
No one expects you to do this perfectly on day one…or any day for that matter. There actually isn’t any “perfect” school-at-home day in the sense you are thinking about. But there are great days ahead.
Those are the ones where you give yourself grace. And then pour it out liberally on those in your home. Realize that you are all trying to find your footing in a situation that seems to barage us with updates on the hour. Step away from that and see the only thing you can control at this moment is how you respond to our changing world situation.
Walk through this with your children. They have experienced a great loss in their lives and it will take time for them to process this new life they find themselves in. By extending them grace and helping them through their emotions, you will all come out the other side with a stronger bond.
When in doubt: extend grace. To yourself. And to your family.
Tough day of assignments? Grace.
Missing friends? Grace.
Sadness over canceled plans? Grace.
Frustrated at how to do all of this? Grace
More than anything else right now, our children will thrive on walking through this with us. And our hearts will fall asleep in peace when we have extended grace and focused on what is most important to each other right now: relationships.
You’ve got this, momma! You have been created for just a time as this. ♥
PIN IT FOR LATER
YOU MAY ENJOY:
Our First Day of the Homeschool Year
Our 2019-2020 Homeschool Curriculum
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