Episode 108: Homeschooling…Real Talk from the Trenches
What You’ll Learn
Real Talk (02:45)
Takeaways (36:20)
Invitation (37:35)
Perhaps you imagine homeschooling to look something like this…
Kids wake up promptly at 6:30 am, make their beds, get dressed, brush their teeth and head to the impeccably and incredibly well-stocked homeschool room and sit happily in their desk and eagerly complete worksheet after worksheet before playing with hands-on manipulatives until, finally, at noon, it's time to break for lunch…
Ok sweet mommas, our fellow homeschoolers out there are laughing, because they know this is an unrealistic expectation and standard for our homeschools.
We've talked about our 'why's' and the benefits we've seen in our own families, so we thought it would only be appropriate to speak to the harder parts of homeschooling. So, if you're considering it, you don't feel blindsided, and if you're already doing it, you don't feel alone.
Because, like parenting, homeschooling isn't for the weak of heart, but just like parenting it will strengthen your heart along the way.
Real Talk (02:45)
Here are some of the things we don't hear other moms talking about when they're sharing their homeschool journeys:
Loneliness
Family members who don't agree/want to love you out of your choice
Parents/spouses that don't believe in homeschooling
You may be spending more time at home --> join a co-op/group
Not knowing what you're doing
Leaving old friend groups before you find new ones
Kids on completely different schedule
You might not fit in...Sports, too-religious, not-religious enough, co-op (give it a chance, be weirdly out-going, keep looking, or create your own)
Complaining / Getting things off your chest
Homeschooling isn't easy....but you get more comfortable with uncomfortable and it feels a little easier
breaking down false beliefs/standards (in my mind)
'want' to homeschool is a lie
It might just be a pull or call on our hearts...
We 'want' to be able to have a part in what they learn, who they're influenced by, and who is teaching them.
Homeschooling is like having a second full time job (prep, teach, grade)
It is going to take time.
Physical/mental
New anything takes a good 6 months – year to get acclimated
Work your day in shifts
Know when to quit
Continuing education
Being with kids 24/7
Homeschooling real (tiny) humans
They are going to get on your nerves and you them...you have to know when to stop
God gives us all kinds of personalities in our homes
Frustration looks a lot like disrespect
In school – the best time you have together is during the worst time of day
Comparison your kids to others...your kids to your kids...your kids to your upbringing
Your kid doesn’t have to read at 4! (Saint Mary’s )
She doesn't even need to start at 4!!!
Finland consistently ranks in the top 3 for education worldwide and they don't start with traditional schooling until 6...up until then they focus on interaction and play
Feeling like there's never enough of you / Feeling divided
Keeping all the plates spinning (house cleaning)
Divided attention with kids (no teacher is available all the time either)
Getting bogged down with curriculum / options
Harder between a good and a good
Balancing what's required with being naturally laid back
Homeschooling with littles is a juggling act
You're not going to get anything done/home destroyed/Super why will teach for you
Toddlers
Busy Activities are a joke for some kids
We reassess every year, yet even with every struggle, challenge...here we are still choosing homeschooling. You may try it out and realize that it truly doesn't feel right for you or your kids. That it isn't just struggles you need to overcome, or hard growth you're going through, but with discernment it isn't a right fit...and that's okay. We specifically wanted to share today so our mommas, new and old hats, know that homeschooling is a journey and it's okay if it's hard...it doesn't mean you're doing it wrong, or you aren't enough, or you aren't qualified...it just means you're human and you're doing big things momma.
Takeaways (36:20)
Like parenting, homeschooling isn't for the weak of heart, but like parenting, it will strengthen your heart along the way.
Loneliness isn't a sign you're doing something wrong...it's just a sign that you need to find your people.
Homeschooling isn't easy, but you get more comfortable with being uncomfortable and it starts to feel easier.
Homeschooling is like taking on another full time job, but you're the CEO, the manager, and the owner and you get to dictate the hours.
It is our responsibility to find ways to take breaks and give space when and where it's needed because the truth is, it isn't easy to be with ANYONE 24/7.
It's not uncommon to feel like there's never enough of you, but like Sarah McKenzie says, it's our job just to bring the fish and let God do the rest with it.
Homeschooling with little ones isn't going to look like traditional school, and it was never meant to. Toddlers are a reminder to work in small spurts and take breaks often...and that's not a bad thing. It's also not permanent (and this is from someone who spent 14 years in baby and toddlerville).
Invitation (37:35)
The truth is that there are hard parts of homeschooling, but if you get other anchors in your day on lock down...it can make homeschooling easier. Naps anchor our day, and so do meals, so go get our free meal planning kit and get your meals organized and planned out. You can find the freebie on our website (look for the button on the top right), in our IG bio, or in the show notes.
And remember sweet momma,
Homeschooling or not...You are doing beautiful work.
