This year is my 5th year as a homeschool mom.
That’s right, this year isn’t all that different for me. I’m used to having my kids at home — albeit, not this much since we normally have all sorts of activities going on. And planning lessons while juggling toddlers is my norm.
But for so many, this year is different. It’s wild. And scary. Because unknown adventures that you never ever planned to embark on, well, they take adjusting.
If homeschooling is brand-new to you, let me unveil some secrets that should put you at ease. You’ve been aching to know the things only homeschool moms know, right? Well, here they are!
Breakfast is the best meal of the day
Reading is the most important subject
When all else fails, just read. Kids who learn to love books will become lifetime learners. When the going gets tough, let that be enough.
Finishing the lesson isn’t essential
Each year I pick a motto for the school year, or, I let one evolve as the year guides us. This year it is, “Do what we can well.” That means not everything will get done, all the boxes won’t get checked, and that is OK. What we do accomplish, we will do well. And that will count for more than any finished workbook ever could.
Lessons are usually done by lunch time
When you remove subject transitions, walks to specialists, and classroom management, you save A LOT of time. Our formal lessons are almost always done by lunch time, which leaves the afternoon and evening for free play, independent learning, cooking together, and even naps!
Field trips are more important than workbooks
When you think back to your own education, do you remember learning about orcas in your science book or the whale watching trip you took as a class? Do you remember the weeks spent preparing for outdoor education or the days spent in the woods seeing, feeling, and smelling nature? Aim to find a balance between sit-down study and hands-on learning.
Life skills are part of our annual curriculum
Every year I ask my kids what they want to learn and build it into our schedule. Rarely do they name a traditional school subject. Rather, they announce their goal to make Grandpa’s spaghetti solo, ride a bike, or open a bank account. Learning life skills together is one of the best parts of homeschooling.
Tears are never worth it
If something brings your child – or you for that matter – to tears, it’s time to pause. Multiplication tables are not worth it. Sacrificing your parent-child relationship in the name of school will only set you behind in the long run.
