Thinking about how to keep homeschool and life in balance?
Homeschooling Moms often say that homeschooling is a lifestyle. But sometimes if can feel more as if life has been swallowed up by homeschooling! When our homeschooling is overwhelming it can lead to homeschool burnout.
It is time to take control of your homeschooling - and get a life!
Take Control
When you feel your life is out of balance, then one of the best things you can do for yourself is start a journal. Not a 'today we went to a homeschool group' type of journal - but a private space where you can vent about ANYTHING! There is no right or wrong way to journal. Just get down on paper everything that is on your mind.
There are many doucmented benefits of journaling, but they are good at giving a sense of perspective. A journal will help to control that 'scattered' feeling and help you clarify your thoughts. Use your journal to figure out what is REALLY important to you. And how you really want your life to look.
If you don't know where to start in regaining a balanced life - then a journal can show you the way.
Review the Situation
Once you have vented some of your frustrations in your journal, it is time to review your schedule. Are you over scheduling? If so, you need to re-work it to get a better balance;
Set an overall goal, or theme. What are you trying to achieve in each area of your life? Do your homeschooling activities reflect what you want to be happening? Adjust your schedule to match.
Don't fall into the trap of being busy just for the sake of 'busyness'. Does your child really need that worksheet? Or are you just not sure what else you could be doing?
When deciding how to keep homeschool and life in balance, you need to be ruthless in examining what you are currently doing. Drop unnecessary activities to make room for things you would like to be doing. If you are not sure how to simplify your homeschooling, then why not try one hour homeschooling for a few weeks?
Make time for yourself. If everything seems to revolve around homeschooling then it especially important to carve a chunk of time for yourself and insist on no distractions. It is ok to say 'No' sometimes.
Set a good example. Often the things that we WANT to be doing are the best things for our children to see us doing. Show them that it is good to read a book, or meditate, or take time for a hobby.
Move forward
Taking some time to get a better balance in your life will pay dividends in your homeschooling. And is well worth the investment.
Recognise also, that this is merely a stage in your life. Your children will grow and become more independent. And leave you more time to grow the parts of you that you wish to develop.
Enjoy this stage now - and lay the foundations of a better future.
Learning how to keep homeschool and life in balance is different for everyone. I wish you well in your journey.
