Homeschool WARNING: Moms... don't do this!

Homeschooling moms would be wise to ensure they don't fall into this parenting pitfall… one that needlessly increases family stress, particularly during #homeschooling2020! In day 2 of our month-long “Joyfully Parenting Homeschooling Tips” we look at how moms can take pressure off their shoulders and prevent mom burnout... while keeping their humour and patience intact.

So picture this:

…your alarm goes off and you frantically rush through the morning routine to get the kids fed, lunches made and everyone out the door—fingers crossed… on time.  The bells go, attendance taken, anthem sung (well at least in the olden days), schedule set, first course, second, recess, another lesson, lunch, and then more learning.

Yet, if you’re homeschooling the good news is you don’t have to include all these parts and pieces—especially the rushing part. However, the bad news may be that you don’t get to drop ‘em off. Indeed, there’s added responsibility… and that often falls on you.

So I’m here to remind you to make your homeschooling days easier… even enjoyable.

If we haven’t met I’m Kelly and I help dedicated moms with strong-willed children eliminate family tension and exhausting tantrums, so they can enjoy the loving family they deserve… especially when homeschooling.

Welcome to our month-long series of Homeschooling Joyfully Parenting Tips.

Whether you’re an enthusiastic new homeschooling fam, or feel like Covid homeschooling refugees, you’re in the right place. I’m thrilled you’re here.

So one of the cool things about homeschooling is that it’s flexible. This means you can custom tailor your day and curriculum around your child’s needs, temperament and even ideal wake schedule. Nope, you don’t have to mimic a rigid school routine.

There’s a common homeschooling pitfall that I don’t want you to fall into. I don’t want you to put your family in a homeschooling box that ultimately’s not a fit and causes stress.

I invite you to meditate on this: what schedule will ultimately and realistically work for your family?

Here’s a well known fact (one I hope’ll take pressure off your beautiful mom shoulders):

To no fault of teachers there’s heaps of wasted time at school. Simply organizing that many kids is like herding cats. Additionally, classroom behaviour management eats up a lot of time.

So take a deep breath and repeat after me: I do not have to create a copycat version of school. I’m not a trained teacher and don’t need to be. I’ve got time. Does that feel better? I hope so.

Also, ALL schools and teachers ease into their year. They do. Many have a week-long orientation. Teachers tell me it takes a whole month before they begin to settle in.

So go easy, don’t burn yourself out, especially in the first month. Strive to strike a balance between structure AND flexibility, While you’re at it, make sure it’s fun… for both you and your kid.

Now before we go, I’d love to know how you plan to ease into your homeschooling year. How are you feeling about it? Also, if you know of a mom friend who’d appreciate some positive homeschooling parenting tips, do her a favour and share this.

Hope to see ya soon.