Did I just say that? Did I just reveal my innermost thoughts that may discourage others to home school when I should be encouraging? YES I DID!
I thought it best to start with reality rather than a wonderfully painted story of butterflies and children leaping in fields with laughter everyday.
Truth be told, I get tired of homeschooling. Although I LOVE homeschooling, I am human. I still have my doubts, fears, and weaknesses. EVERYONE DOES! This normal feeling should not hinder or stop your family from reaping the benefits of homeschooling. Soon, I will create a list of the "Advantages" of homeschooling. Everyone embarking on a journey uses discernment when also listing "Disadvantages". Today, I decided to reveal the bad news first and later overwhelm readers with good news :).
Disadvantages do exist to homeschooling. The most overwhelming proves to be the lack of motivation on the part of the "EDUCATOR". This untold secret can halt any progress and cause an educator to place the children back into public school. Overcoming such feelings are not as hard as it seems.
Whether it is "I don't want to" because,
1. "I don't want to cry over the tadpoles that die while transforming into frogs." 2. "Do we HAVE to drag out handwriting everyday?" 3. "We could have a financially easier life if we had two full time income."" 4. "I need some ME time." 5. "I could get more housework and errands finished if they were in school." 6. "I seem to run in circles without accomplishing anything." 7. "I don't like the messes that science experiments make."
Trust me, every homeschooling parent has thought at least some of those ideas. I have thought them all. The TRUTH IS THOUGH, THIS FEELING CAN BE OVERCOME AND THE BENEFITS FAR OUTWEIGH THE DISADVANTAGES! I can make that statement truthfully from experience.
How then does an educator overcome the hurdle?
Here is my list:
#1 This is the most important...enlist a person close to you that wholeheartedly supports your decision to home school. This person will be needed to give you "pep talks" when necessary. A spouse, a family member, or a dear friend can fill this role.
#2 Make a list of the reasons why you began this journey and post them where they are visible to your family. These reasons will serve as reminders and encourage everyone to continue.
#3. Attack the reason why the feeling has resurfaced.
Does everyone need a change of scenery? Take school to the picnic blanket at the lake or just the backyard.
Do you need some ME time? Buy out the time for a bubble bath or quiet dinner alone (remember your support person ;) ).
Are you not interested in raising butterflies? That is okay. A National Geographic video with some worksheets still teach them about butterflies.
The house is a mess? Make a plan and enlist the help of everyone in the house.
Need a break from routine? Decide to learn and new subject and take a field trip to investigate it.
Feel overwhelmed? Reevaluate your schedule and readjust it.
Once you address WHY you began to feel the "I am done with homeschooling" thoughts, you can overcome them. They will resurface and will again need to be addressed. BUT, overall, I KNOW wholeheartedly that his path fits our family and has benefited our family better than public school.
So, just because I may not WANT to home school all of the time, I know that I NEED to. Everyday, a benefit manifests in my family and reminds me of why we continue this course. After all, I did not WANT to change their diapers all of the time, but I DID.