Like most of you, I’ve got a lot going on in my life. I’m a wife, mom, homeschooler, business owner, friend, teacher, etc. You get the idea.
I’m busy.
Last week I promised you I’d share a technique to help you get more done. I’m here to deliver!
This is it.
Yep. A kitchen timer.
I’ve talked to a few people recently who wonder how to do it all. Educate their kids (and often others), keep a marriage healthy, keep their home and family taken care of, AND realize their own genius.
It can be a challenge!
I’m not advocating that YOU do it all. Creating a support system is critical for your emotional, mental, and physical health.
It also helps to understand that life has different seasons.
I have to admit, COVID has done a number on my book consumption. You wouldn’t think it would. I’m home more so I should have more time for that, right?
But no.
My schedule pre-COVID included a lot of driving for my job so I would listen to books in the car. I could easily go through several books a month. It was great! Audible loved me! Now I sit home in front of my computer. I have a lot more paperwork and I have to make sure I get out of my chair on a regular basis. My car trips recently have been to the chiropractor. Sitting too much in front of a computer screen evidently is not good for your back. Or neck. Or shoulders.
Things are opening up again thank goodness but I’m probably not going to be back to my old driving schedule. I miss books. I’ve got to develop different habits.
Over the years, I’ve heard so many people say they are uncomfortable teaching older kids – both parents and teachers! The subject matter is more intimidating, and let’s face it, we didn’t like chemistry or algebra when we took them in high school. How are we going to be able to teach them?
But if you give up because of those reasons, you are missing out. First of all, let me assure you that you don’t have to relearn chemistry or algebra – unless you want to. You can find someone else to teach it. And your kids need you.
I was recently asked by a mom how I did it when all five of my boys were home. How did I teach all of them at their different levels? All the different subjects? And then grade everything too? I’ve had other parents ask how I do it all now, working full time and homeschooling only one kid.
I didn’t, and I don’t.
We all want to be a superhero to our kids. We are the cook, taxi driver, event coordinator, education facilitator, and chief bather and bottle washer, among many other things. And just like in the comic books and movies, sometimes the superhero fails. Sometimes they need help.
As a homeschooler, I’m always so excited to get started at the beginning of the year. We have all the materials, and I’ve taken the time to plan and organize. We begin losing momentum a little after Thanksgiving, but I change things up for the holidays, and we make it through. I re-evaluate at the first of the year and then get going again, but it hits me big time after a couple of months. Burn Out.
After almost 20 years of homeschooling, I can see the cycles. Each year in February or March, I feel it again. If I’m going to think about giving up, this is when it happens. I start questioning why I am doing what I’m doing. I’ve talked to other veteran homeschoolers, and I’m not the only one.
So, how do I keep on going?
I love quotes. You probably figured that out by now if you follow me on social media. I’m continually sharing what other people have said. Quotes inspire me.
Recently there has been a quote that keeps following me around. It keeps coming to me and pushing me. I put it on a sticky note on my computer, but I feel like I need to do more and share it with you. Here it is:
I didn’t usually do school in the month of December. At least that is what my boys thought! We did fun things like study about how other countries celebrate the holidays, bake cookies for friends and family, and read Christmas books. Sounds fun right? It was a great way to make special memories and break up the school year without stopping the learning. Here are 5 fun and educational activities you can do with your kids: