Homeschool Advice & Tips
Are you completely stressed out and you just started homeschooling?
Are you trying to decide if homeschooling is right for you and you’re already stressed just thinking about it?
I have been where you are at! Homeschooling can be scary, stressful, fun, tiring, and exciting all in one!
Some advice and tips to help you navigate through this season of life.
It doesn’t have to be “perfect”. Every child is different and will learn differently.
There will be trial and error. I have taught in a traditional classroom for over 20 years. I was the principal of a school with over 100 students. Please hear me when I say it will take time to figure out what works best for you and your child. With all of my experience, I still had to try things and change things as our homeschooling journey progressed.
If your child or you are having a bad day, take a break from schooling and come back to it when things are better. Just a short break can make a world of difference.
Allow your child to tell you what is working and what is not. Maybe they hate having to sit still. Let them walk around why they read or give them more short breaks to stretch their legs. Remember homeschooling is meant to be flexible, don’t try to make it a traditional classroom. This is where I failed miserably at first. Unless a “traditional classroom” feel works for you, then definitely do that. :o)
Lastly, if something isn’t working, change it. Don’t continue to be stressed about it. There are always other options and other ways of doing things. Find what works and stick with it.
It is easy to fall into the trap of doing what other homeschoolers are doing. Either ones you know personally or what you see online. Just like you run your household a certain way, you should run your homeschool a certain way. That way is what is best for you and your child/children. No matter what others are doing.
These days with all of the options out there you are bound to find something that will work. Don’t be afraid to keep trying new things until you get it all figured out.
Don’t give up! You are homeschooling for a reason. Remember what those reasons are. If there are other options, consider them if it is not working for you. Not every child and every parent can homeschool successfully. That is ok! If you are constantly frustrated and have tried everything, consider hiring a private homeschool teacher, or going with a full online program where there are teachers that will take the pressure off of you. No matter what, please take the time to enjoy your child/children. They will grow up so fast and the time that you get to spend educating them can be very special.
So, take a deep breath and take the time to figure out what works for you.
